The collectors you've mentioned were all very important to folk music, Matt. However, when you talk about what defines the folk music canon, I suspect you're wasting your time. That's sort of like asking the eternal, infernal question, "What is folk music?" I think you'd be better served by asking "How did you get interested in folk music?" and then forming your own judgement as to how and by whom the canon is defined. As for contacting Jean Ritchie, obviously I can't speak for her, but I know she has not been in the best of health in recent years. She used to be a frequent and important contributor to Mudcat. Good luck, Elmore. P.S. Please forgive my dreadful typing.