If I had to select an all time great of the folk/blues genre, I'd say

Mississippi Big Joe Williams that guy lived for over 50 years the life of the rambling bluesman and nobody I ever heard could speak to me through his songs or guitar with such intense profound elequence about lifes angst as he did.

Of living folk performers I'd select Ritchie Havens,Like Big Joe his songs seem to just spill out his heart. He conjures from commonplace expression and sometimes biblical text the most beautiful passionate musical commentary about lifes realities. His performance just transfixes me..

Regards.

Jim Clark...