This is a very informative thread. There can be no question that Walter and his contribution to the folk scene were and are highly valued by singers and researchers alike. Whether one likes his singing or not is of very little consequence in the overall scheme of things. All source singers are different and have made differing contributions. Personally I can't think of a single one for whose contribution I am not deeply grateful, and that goes for all of the people who gave up their time and effort to record them.