Hello Catters,

The other day I was trying to charm somebody with a really interesting story I had heard once when, like rats from a sinking ship, all of the pertinent details of the story fled my mind and left me die a slow death like Leo DeCaprio in Titanic (but, sadly, not like in real life). I figured there must be somebody here who has heard this story, as it is fairly widespread in folk music circles, and can supply me with the missing details so that the next time I try to tell it I won't be greeted with glazed over eyes and the soft creeking of crickets.

Here is what I remember: two people meet in a bar. One is a famous troubadour, and the other claims to be a fledgling songwriter. This greenhorn asks the pro to listen to one of his songs. The old pro, having been thru this too many times to recall, politely refuses. The greenhorn persists, however, and they strike a bargain. The old pro says, "Buy me a beer and I will listen until I finish my beer." The greenie sings his song, the old pro loves it and the rest is folk music history.

Here's what I need to know and/or confirm:

Wasn't the song "The City of New Orleans"?

Wasn't Arlo Guthrie one of the two men? If so, was the the Old Pro or the Greenhorn?

If Arlo was the Old Pro, who was the Greenhorn?

Your assistance, as always, is greatly appreciated.

BeauDangles