Donegan was one of the first British musicians to perform the music of Leadbelly. Donegan was a fine musician and, if he piggybacked on the shoulders of Leadbelly, so what? As far as the Kingston Trio and Burl Ives are concerned, Donegan's performances were alive, forceful and electrifying. And, of course, fashion passed him by, but he he was a great singer, guitarist and banjo player.

And let's not forget that it was the influence of Chris Barber - the first English guy to get people like Broonzy over here - that helped Donegan along his chosen path.