I first met John when he was over in London for a year with Penny and family. We worked together on his Walter Pardon film. Then I met up with him on a number of occasions when I was later in New York. I had previously seen him playing with the New Lost City Ramblers in Manchester.
He was a really nice guy and this is sad news indeed. His recordings from the Appalachians, together with those that he made in Peru, are outstanding and could only have been made by somebody who knew how to get on with all kinds of people. Luckily many of his great photographs are available in his books. And his film of Dillard Chandler should be seen by anyone who has the smallest interest in folk music.
A great loss indeed.