Dear All,

When I first heard the song "Old Dan Tucker" on an LP by Cisco Houston about 18 years ago, I wondered if the lyrics below might haev inspired "Desparate Dan", a cartoon character in a British Comic (It may have been the "Dandy" or "Beano" - this will only mean anything to UK readers). Anyway, Desparate Dan usually sported what is now called "designer stubble" and was known I think for feats of strength, etc (mayeb he even did comb his hair with a wagon wheel). I wonder if he or the Dandy, etc, are still going; must pop down my local newsagent to have a look. Any theories on this would be welcome, though I may be barking up the wrong tree.

The album by Cisco Houston also contained "Big Rock Candy Mountain", "Gold Mine Blues" and several other good songs. Does anyone know which one it was, or where I could get it. An Internet search for Cisco Houston has not managed to come up with this particular album.

"Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man
Washed his face in a frying pan.
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heel."