Sandy, you're so right. I confused Riverside with Tradition. The Tradition label is what I was talking about in reference to Odetta. I think Orin Keepnews, the jazz producer had something to do with Riverside Records. Thanks to you and Wally for your efforts on my behalf. Wally, that was a fun time with Billy!

Kat, I love the stories too. It's so important to know the stories and history behind the songs we love. I think this is what keeps us sane as a nation.

Rick, re: commercialism, folk music presentation is a branch of the music business whether we like it or not. When someone decides to make a living at performing, it's music or show business. The people who may have trouble with this concept are those who are not actively engaged in earning an income from performing. They have other jobs and perhaps they feel like they may have "sold out" so they put that on anyone who decides to make music into a living. Thank goodness talent is supported by an audience who pays for it. I, for one, hope to hear about new releases and artists who have recorded folk music so I can buy some of their product.

By the way, Barry Finn, got a chuckle out of your post and I can assure you that the guy coming down from the mountain was bearing CD's instead of tablets. :)

The idea of commercialism being somehow "bad" needs to be examined furthur. I think it comes from a left-wing sensibility in the earlier years of the folk song revival movement which tended to be "anti-capitalist" in ideology. I don't think that many musical artists that I have known are intentionally totally commercial in their approach to music. Last time I looked, folk or other kinds of music wasn't the same as soap suds or widgets. :) But Pete Seeger and others have made a pretty good living out of it. The Weavers made a good deal of money and I bet one of my faves, Jean Ritchie isnt' doing too badly also. Woody was starting to make some money but sadly he could not enjoy it. I think it's wonderful that great talent can be supported, make enough money to lead a decent life and share their gifts with the world. If it takes a little promotion to the extent at least of getting some information about new CD's or appearances, I feel that as a consumer of music, I am benefitted.

Frank Hamilton