Chris, one isn't exclusive of the other. At some point in the future, the protest music of the 60's will get study and some singer in the future will sing those songs. But they will never be considered TRADITIONAL in the same context as the songs that were collected from unknown singers of the past in remote areas. That does not mean they aren't valid. Of course the process goes on. Of course the music is a valid look at the times. But it isn't TRADITIONAL in the same sense. It is folk style music, it is historical, and it has a known source. One great example exists right here on this forum, in fact, in this thread. George Papavgeris is a great folk style singer and songwriter. His songs will long outlive him, and provide a specific view of the times. But they will never be considered 'TRADITIONAL', but may be considered in the traditional style.

The era I refer to, is the era of songs whose root cannot be determined with certainty in any way other than generally i.e. Irish, Appalachian etc, hence they are TRADITIONAL and many times the author is ANON. That is the predicate this thread was established on. Because our world is now information based, with places like this where we parse every bit of information, the 'TRADITIONAL' Folk Music has become quantifiable. I don't see any major new discoveries coming down the pike. That is not to say that there aren't exciting new folk styles emerging. There are. Music and song is more important now than ever. The issues move so quickly, and the potential cost so dear, that our jobs as the bards of the modern era is more critical than ever.

Mick