My men's vote goes to Lee Monroe Presnell ("Uncle Monroe") of Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Eighty-six when I recorded him, and still a masterful singer with all the subtle nuances of a great traditional artist.
Jeannie Robertson, superb ballad singer from Aberdeen, Scotland, would get my women's vote. Jeannie had an incredible "presence" and a powerful delivery, together with a great repertoire -- muckle ballads to bawdy songs.
But I have to admit I've always wanted to be Frank Proffitt when I grow up.
Sandy
|