In my innocence I used to think that only commercial record companies (big time rock, pop, country etc.) based their signings and promotional efforts on the sex appeal of the artist (male OR female). 'Tis not so. Every "respected" folk label that wanted to sell as many records as they could operated in the same way. Yes there have been instances where older and less pretty folks climbed the ladder, but check out the top 100 (or 1000) selling pop or country (or what's perceived as folk) artists and tell me that the pretty or the freaky don't outnumber the plain 100 to one.
Ted. How 'bout I come to YOU, for some of that Freddie Green stuff? We'll take turns playin' lead while the other comps. I know HOW they work, but I sure can't make 'em sound like HE did.
Rick