"I also think that it's a good idea to have them invest time in learning to sing and about folk music from earlier times."

Frank, I'm with you 100% on that one - 200% if mathmatics would allow!

I think that IS an element that many people were missing, although I think it has improved in recent years. I once heard David Massengill respond to someone's question about how to write a song. This person recently bought a guitar and was anxious to try out the process. David's response was that an individual needs to take that guitar and learn to play hundreds of OTHER songs. He encouraged them to go back to the tradition and learn, as well as learn songs from others. Once you could sing and understand the way various songs are composed, you can then begin the process for yourself.

I consider myself a student. I do not have the gift to sing for anyone other than my own entertainment. My fiddle playing belongs in the closet, but I enjoy it for my own. I could not write a song worth repeating. I try to spread this "gospel" on my radio show. I certainly believe in the importance of reminding audiences of where the music came from as well as introducing them to what might be the future.

Naturally we cannot see into the future. No one really knows if the music of Bob Dylan or anyone will be remembered in the future. The fact has been that people will always sing what is familiar and meaningful to them. That is how folk music will survive.

I like to remind myself of the lyrics of Pete Morton's FOLKSONG - "Another Train".   There's always another train coming down the tracks.