I think it is interesting to know the origins of a song, and if it has historical value then I would like to see that information preserved and passed on i.e. Amazing Grace and The Star Spangled Banner come to mind, but it is not an absolute necessity. I find it intriguing but not knowing will not keep me from performing a song the content of the song is what has the most impact, that and conveying to the audience that you are somehow connected to the song as though you have lived it. But that is MHO. Susu