I think I'd add Pete Seeger to Bill D's list.

But "Genius" seems to imply virtuosity and "star quality" and individuality. The genius of folk music is in the "folk" - and I do think there is true genius in the folk process. I admire Van Ronk for many things - but when it comes to understanding folk music, I think Van Ronk just didn't get it. It's not about "stars" or individual "shining lights" or making money.

-Joe Offer-