And I found this quote, buried in one of his interviews:

JK: So where does all this leave you, as an independent musician?

HR: Being a modern minstrel is enjoyable because I think people need music. It's an ancient thing and there's something
hard-wired into people that makes them like it when a traveling musician comes to town. It's an ancient, ancient thing, and it
          may be needed now more than it ever was. If you know how to do that, it's a rewarding thing to do.