I am sure Laura wouldn't mind being compared to Marilyn Monroe, at least in some ways. (I have heard her "sing", by the way ~~ Laura is better. Don't know if MM played the banjo or not) Oh, and I kind of liked the way she 'tweaks' the tune! Actually, I am not at all offended. It would likely be a sorry situation if we all liked exactly the same singers to the same degree ~~ don't think that would make for much variety. WARNING ~~ near heretical statement follows: Take me for instance, I have never cared for Bob Dylan, don't own a single one of his albums, and don't suppose I ever will, unless someone gives me one. (end of heretical statement ~~ those who were offended may resume reading, and no, you won't change my mind by arguing about it) I could have named any number of other musicians who are highly regarded in these parts, while saying that I actually like others that people would probably look at me strangely if I were to admit it. One for instance ~~ I really do like Lisa Loeb! (insert your gasps of dismay here)

OK, back to the subject before I spear any more sacred cows. Stewie, I have to confess that while I have been familiar with her music for quite a while, and she is known to friends of mine, I have yet to purchase any of her CDs. Perhaps this is the impetus that I need to get cracking on that. If I were to get only one of them, I think I would go for the Down The Road album. They are available from her site, but it looks like you have to Email her or phone her to set up the arrangements. One advantage is that this way, she gets the lion's share of the profits. Her Sing It Yourself album is available from Elderly for $12.50. Oh, I just checked ~~ ALL THREE are available from CAMSCO, though Sing It Yourself is listed as cassette only, but I bet Dick could get the CD, too. That might be the way to go. Quote from the Camsco site, don't know if it comes from Dick or is left over Wally: Laura Boosinger's recordings and concert performances have earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of North Carolina's most talented singers and interpreters of the region. It is a pleasure to hear her sing and listen to her play.

My Carolina Home is available from tunes.com All Music Guide gives it four stars: Laura Boosinger interprets folk and country standards, reviving well-known numbers such as "My Carolina Home -- Carolina Moon," "Grandfather's Clock" and "When the Roses Bloom In Dixieland," as well as more obscure numbers. Though the clear production can be disarming for those listening to old timey music on scratchy '78s, Boosinger's singing and playing is impeccable, capturing the feeling of traditional Appalachian music. On My Carolina Home, she's supported by a number of stars, including Raymond McLain and David Holt.

-- Thom Owens, All Music Guide (I can vouch for the quality of music from both Raymond McLain and David Holt, having seen them in person and on TV)

I have an MP3 of her singing Josie Girl which I got from the Out of the Blue site. I will give details if anyone is interested. It is a very good bluegrass site with many shows on line, with several options for playback.

I too looked for sheet music and came up empty. We do have a number of titles at the Ozark Folk Center which are not available at any of the other sites. I will look first chance I get, which will be after I get the high school track season all wrapped up.

You are right about the Hartford and Hartford version, very laid back but pleasant enough. I had forgotten about that one.