At Sidmouth Festival this year I went to a very interesting on-stage conversation with Tony Engle, MD of Topic Records. During a discussion about the proper attitude towards those from whom we get our material, a remark was made by Norma Waterson to the effect that there was something wrong in calling someone a 'source singer'. Now this was only said in passing and the conversation moved back to the main point, but I was left wondering - and wonder still - why this often-used term is any way bad. I've heard lots of people use it since, unaware (like me) that there is any debate about it. I know the language we use is important, as it holds associated ideas that may or may not be appropriate. But I've racked my brain and can't see anything wrong with it. I'm not lying awake at night worrying about this! But I am curious to know what it's all about. Could anyone enlighten me?