Who can get people to sing along with a song they might know? Where do we start?

Yes, the majority of songs written will fall by the wayside and be forgotten....t'was ever thus. Have a look at some of the child ballads and the broadside collections and you'll see many completely forgotten works...

However, in every year there are songs that appeal to a wide range of audience and they enter that world where they are easily identifiable whenever they are played, whether on your ipod or by the local band. Some of these will become the folk repertoire of the future! (It's alright, it won't necessarily be in our lifetime!)

Every so often a new music fad comes along and people embrace it. Savoy operas, traditional jazz, modern jazz, skiffle, folk, rap.... just because we've had our time in the sun doesn't mean its now all washed up because other people have latched onto the latest fad. As Ron says, there are some great singers, writers and musicians out there of all ages. They can be found, but don't look for them in a concert hall or stadium!

Best wishes,

Peter