Davecoje, no one is saying that at all. Frank was an original and his contribution was immense. Russell's proposition is that there was considerably more interaction between black and white muscicians, particularly in West Virginia, than had been acknowledged. Also, from Aunt Jennie Wilson's account (she played banjo with Hutchison for a couple of years), Hutchison travelled outside his home area and listened to black recordings. Nothing is taken away from Bill Monroe's skills and contribution because he had interaction with, and was influenced by, black musicians - the same applies with Hutchison, Justice, Harvey and others. It seems to me that you are setting up a man of straw. I doubt if anyone has done more than Russell to highlight Hutchison's considerable contribution to American music.

--Stewie.