This is my first thread, and it's inspired by something from the 'Best Folk singer' thread.

Who inspired you to play and/or listen? Was there one person (or group) that made you want to get out there and play?

Personally, it was my grandfather. He wasn't the best in the world, and only started playing well after he retired. But every meeting of the Old Time Fiddler's, he'd be there, talking and playing along to the best of his ability. Even after he lost the use of two of his fingers, he still played... anyone who ever has played fiddle can probably appreciate the difficulty of playing fiddle with only two fingers and thumb on the fingerboard.

Well, he'd done his best to educate me in the better aspects of music when I was young, taking me to bluegrass festivals all over Arizona, and taking time out to try and teach me to play. It wasn't until he died that I reevaluated what he'd been saying, and picked up tinwhistle. Not his instrument, but he's been my guiding inspiration. Every time that I feel like quitting, I remember him in the circle, taking his turn with the other fiddlers despite everything that he'd had to overcome.

Anyone else care to share? I'd be interested to hear...

M