Met John in the late 60's when I used to perform in the folk clubs around Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon under the auspices of an old English teacher, and avid song collector, Les Pope. I used to book John in the club I ran at Washington and then go drinking with him the next day to make sure none of the booking money went south to Leeds. I do remember some classic drinking and singing sessions from a great troubadour. I still sing Johns version of the 'Bailiffs Daughter of Islington' when I drop into the traditional festivals in Scotland. Before the tragedy, Mash and his friends had just started a band called, if my memory serves me well, Threadbare Harmony? A great bunch of guys from a great time for music. I would be curious to know what became of Les Pope who got John a lot of work in the early days.
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