You wrote: "MystMoonStruck, do you know why your young friend was disgusted by Joan Baez? I'd be curious. I do remember back in those days when we were always so sure and righteous in our judgements that sometimes I'd do a supercilious put-down of "Joanie", but I can't remember why except that it seemed cool to do so. For my sins I ask forgiveness."

His argument was that her interpretations weren't true to the originals! I'm not sure where that came from since I've heard recordings of singers from the Appalachians to Ireland performing those songs word for word, note for note. He said she was a sellout and "untrue" to the folk/ballad tradition. I countered with the argument that he might not be a faire performer were it not for Joan, the Irish Rovers (another sour look from him) and others. I remain faithful fans of the earlier performers. In the Sixties in this region, albums were limited to those of Buffy Ste. Marie, Joan Baez, Burl Ives, and The Irish Rovers. Yes, the shelves could be pretty bare at times. It would be many years before I encountered The Chieftains and others and began having access to more material. If it hadn't been for my family's love for traditional music, my interest could have faded away--though I can't believe that ever would have happened.

I'm beginning to think this is a "kneejerk" reaction among some younger performers. Some say that they don't like her voice or think her versions are "too polished" (?). Well, I'm not happy with the general public thinking that all Irish women sing with breathy, wispy, barely-there voices after hearing those who shall remain unnamed. I'm not a basher of this type of singing, but it misleads the public; misled, they might not ever discover the wonderful singers who aren't afraid to lift their voices. (My collection includes those wispy singers; I'm not about to shut out some really great songs, including "Lish Young Buy-a-Broom".)

Whenever there's an attack on Joan, I'll be there to defend the lady. I'll likely never see her in concert, but I'll always have her music, whether it's on LPs, 8 tracks (Yep!), cassettes or disks (my least favorite).

I'm still amazed by the people who give me a look when I mention Burl Ives! What's WITH them?!