Wow, I'm amazed at the thought provoking concepts my little question engendered! Much thanks to all of you who contributed so far. Of course I am aware that folk music never really "died" but continues to be a vital part of life, even if it is more obscure than in the 60's. I especially liked the quote above which bears repeating: "Garnet Rogers said that being a folk musician was like being in the Federal Witness Protection Program - they know you are out there but they can't find you." (Thanks for that one, Alex!)

I guess that's what I'm really lamenting...I just can't find it out in the public, programming to experience folk music around here. The few so called "folk music" programs broadcast on the local campus stations limit themselves to Irish music & stuff that is too electrified, too polished, & too produced to meet my definition of "folk". Perhaps my professional musician friend is right, when he says that when a performer discovers "slick" for sales, his creativity ceases. He uses an example of Kenny Rogers, who, he maintains, was far more creative & truer to folk in his early days (before he discovered what "sells", & found the pattern like Lucille, Gambler, etc.)..Although they are good songs, I really miss the songs that "really" mean something to the performer. One last comment..loved that input about Ritchie..would love to have some of the more famous folks check in on Mudcat, too! (& wouldn't it be a kick to have Rogers respond to that last comment?)