wow Ron-what an answer! and a GOOD ONE too. I'm not sure that pointing to one single source, be all end all would've made all sound the same. Probably not possible in music right? As I understand the question is about a "most influencial album" and yeah the Lomaxes and Profit and weavers etc. etc. and probably a ton of others put stuff out on record before Guard Shane and Reynolds. BUT as has been accurately noted THAT album kicked the door wide open that a few feet had been stuck into before, though I like the pizza analogy cause I like pizza! Anyway if we're talking a singular event/audio recording the KT red album has to be it right? So whether or not 200 people recorded the Ballad of Tom Dula(which I heard HE wrote himself in prison with the siph or something), TOM DOOLEY by the KT hit the gold. Those other dudes and dudettes didn't.

I'm done now since its obvious I too wanna be right. From there on you takes your pick. I stick with my choice but lots of good points made. Its been an interesting topic anyhow. The other thing is that 2nd record at the Hungry i which showed that stuff performed live was fun and entertaining and sold a bushel too. We had some old folksinger come to a school assembly back when and sing some dippy songs with his guitar on stage about his love was a cherry or something and he was about as exciting to watch as my barber giving haircuts. Now when I saw the KT or Limes on TV or live (later) it was an EVENT, a happening a show. Somethign to be said for that too. Got it into the mainstream which made the purists mad (how DARE they-this is tripe!) but happy too because they could go to the bazillion coffee houses that sprang up and hootenannys and people SHOWED UP to listen to them too so those low life popular groups really did them and us a favor, no? Did I say I was done? Guess I lied. OK now I'm done unless one of you calls me a $%#%@ or something.