Hi, Dick: I said that I came to New York in 1960. I didn't even discover the Gaslight Cafe until 1961. Either I was having illusions, or when I first heard John, he did several sets. I KNOW there was no one else on the bill with him the first time I heard him. But, the scene changed there quickly. When Sam Hood and his son were running the place, there was no cover charge, and if they knew you, they'd let you nurse a couple of cups of coffee for a whole evening. I used to play at the Monday night hoots, and Dave Van Ronk, who ran them, liked to go up and sit in the bar at the Kettle of Fish. Dave was happy to have me do a couple of extra songs, so he could hang out at the Kettle. I had a friend who worked in the kitchen there, Ken Hafferman, so I'd wander back into the kitchen between sets. Over a period of a couple of years,the Galsight went from no cover charge and a performer doing at least three sets a night, to having 45 minute to an hour "Shows" with an opening act. I opened for the Highwaymen on weekend. During that time, you're right. No one sang for a whole evening. Sure don't want to argue... Mississippi John was a great man, and I felt extremely priviledged to hear him. If you brought him there, I will always be indebted to you.

But, I STILL think that the first time I heard him, he wasn't sharing the bill with anyone..

Thanks for bringing him up..

Jerry