Really enjoying this thread.

Noticed a couple of tendencies in his discussion.

Criticisms of THOSE WHO SING FROM BOOKS (TWSFB) seem to fall into a few different (but not mutually exclusive) categories.

1. Some are a priori and based upon an abstract theory about "What Singing Ought To Be." The logical implications of the theory clearly cast TWSFB into the outer darkness. Unfortunately, like some theories, they don't seem to have any basis in the concrete realities of real singing by real human beings. (However, these can be a lot of fun to read and suss out.)

2. Some much less theoretical and hypothetical and are grounded in the unpleasant experiences the critic has had in dealing with a limited sample of TWSFB.

2. Some presuppose that SIZE COUNTS, at least as far as memory is concerned.

3. Many are based upon unflattering stereotypes and assumptions about TWSFB which appear to be generalizations based upon the aforementioned unpleasant experiences with TWSFB.
e.g.,
- If you sing from a book, you can only sing from a book.
- If you sing from a book, then whenever you sing it will sound as if you are singing the song for the first time in public after inadequate preparation
- If you sing from a book you cannot devote sufficient attention to the song itself to be able to sing it convincingly.
- If you sing from you clearly not care sufficiently about the song.
Etc.

I would not be silly enough to deny that singing from books is NOT in any way a trade off.

BUT

In defense of my being one of TWSFB,
what else can I say but,
I've seen it done by veritable deities in the pantheon of traditional singers (e.g., Addie Graham, Granny Riddle)
I don't need no stinkin theories.
It works for me.
None of the stereotypes apply to ME.
The people I sing with don't seem to mind. (I assume that those who mind avoid me. Not a bad thing.)
I have not experienced hair loss, headaches, nausea, psoriasis, tintinitus, etc., etc. as a result of the practice.