Art has been one of the BIGGEST influences on me since I came to Mudcat and *met* him. His Cowboy's Barbara Allen has a really special place in my heart for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is his delivery of it, but also because I grew up in WY until I was eight and, lived there later, and the song references places I knew there. I love all of his music, though!

But, it's not just his music which has influenced me. It is his freely sharing and caring of his career and experiences which he tells about in such entertaining and humble, yet awesome ways. I know he thinks I go overboard sometimes and I might make him blush, but he IS one of my all-time heroes.

Just one example of the power of his artistry - no pun intended: inevitably, if my Rog or I are in a down mood or we've been snippy with one another, if I put on one of Art's CDs it never fails to lighten our moods and bring us back in sync with one another and our world. There were many miles travelled in Wyoming to Art's music and it brings those good times back to us any time we listen, again.

luvyakat