Great thread! I was in attendance at Burl's last public performance in Annacortes, Washington U.S.A. I spent $100 bucks for TWO tickets, because SHE was beautiful (but that's another story). The twice double price tickets got us two things: a public concert at the local High school gym, and a private hosting with Burl and his wife (nurse). Many of my long time music friends were there (Hi Don, Nancy). The private reception was held at the Annacortes yaught club. In case you don't know it, Burl moved, with his sailboat, to Annacortes because of it's yaught harbour and sailing folks. I saw the LONG line of folks that formed to go through the receiving line. As is my bent, I had another glass of wine and then joined the end of the line. I was the last person through his ordeal ... he was very sick and tired by then. At the beginning of the gathering, his wife ANNOUNCED that there would be no autographs or pictures, as he was tired. I was out of the room when that announcement was made ... probably going to the bathroom! I had brought a special book with me. It was titled "Tales of America." Burl wrote it in 1954, and it was a present to me from my Mother. As I went through the line, and finally got to shake his hand (we had cooresponded several times over the years) I offered him the book and asked if he'd autograph it. His wife snatched it away and started to scold me. He grabbed it back, chastised her by saying, "I haven't seen this book in years ... may I look at it?" I offered it to him on the spot. He said "no, where are you sitting?" I returned to my friends, and a few minutes later a waiter brought the book to me with his inscritption: "With appreciation ... Burl."