At the risk of becoming maudlin, I would like to tell the story of how and when I first met Merritt. I'm guessing that it was late 1979, or early 1980. The late Walt Robertson had recently returned to Washington state from Texas. He urged me to go with him to a weekend gathering on one of the Islands here, Whidbey I think. The occasion was a weekend workshop and he was looking forward to meeting and singing with Merrit Herring again. Where they first met I do not know, but I certainly listened when he spoke of Merritt's skills not only as a singer, but also as a fine person.

I well remember they're greeting of each other. They both were obviously very pleased to see each other and were ready for music. I remember standing off to one side watching the two of them together. They were very intense in their conversation, and it was like a love fest, if you will. They would not be interrupted by anyone. Many people were comming up to them and trying to get their attention, but they would not be distracted.

As the weekend went on, these two guys participated in a series of workshops and concerts. They were often not in the same room, yet throughout the gathering, I would sometimes see Walt standing in the back of the room listening intently to Merritt sing. And, later on, I would catch Merritt doing the same, as Walt was on stage.

That weekend was quite an introduction for me. Merritt is well missed. Bob