I sang with Carolyn for a week in 1961 at the old Gate of Horn in Chicago. We were booked for a month, but she left after the first week. She was a lovely singer, and a beautiful woman. Her performance was primarily of traditional material, sung with minimal instrumentation from a dainty perch on a high stool. Sort of a pink pinafore presentation. All this, of course, before she became the polished professional and gun-totin' Texas mama. The manager (nameless) of the Gate told her she sang like a goddam virgin, and he would be happy to help her overcome the handicap. Smart gal, she didn't accept his generous offer. Charlotte Daniels came in to replace her for the remainder of the month. Anyone remember Char Daniels? Last time I saw Char was in Indianapolis, about fifteen years ago, still smoking a couple of packs a day and coughing her lungs out between drags. There, but for the grace of whomever.... I also sang at the Gate with Odetta for a month. Bill Lee (Spike's father) was Odetta's regular bass player. Darn nice fellow! My third Gate of Horn gig was a month with Marta Schlamme. Marta brought in a lovely, quiet audience, but they didn't drink, just nursed one cocktail all evening long, so the Gate didn't make much profit from her appearances there. Ah, the memories of the bar scene which I gladly left behind in 1961 and gladly chose never to rejoin. Better the small coffeehouse where people actually listen! Sandy (folk fogey, for sure!)
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