One of the best days I have ever had was the day I met Art in person. We sat in his living room while he, without realizing that there was anything special about doing so, shared some priceless glimpses into the early careers of some of the best known folk artists. A set of shelves near where we sat was absolutely packed with a carefully labeled collection of cassette tapes of both Art's past performances as well as many performances of others, many of whose names we have all come to know.

But the best part of the visit was when Art played and sang a couple of songs on the banjo and on his famous extra-stringed guitar. There are few people who can tell a story in both words and song with such facility. What a treat! What an artist!

What a privilege!