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Century's Most Influential Performers?
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Little Hawk Date: 18 Jul 02 - 01:45 AM The most influential folk performers... Okay, this is obviously pretty subjective, so I'll say: In semi-historical order... Woody Guthrie Leadbelly Robert Johnson Carl Sandburg Burl Ives Pete Seeger (and the Weavers) Odetta Joan Baez Buffy Sainte-Marie Bob Dylan Gordon Lightfoot Ian & Sylvia Judy Collins Joni Mitchell There were others, many others, but for me those ones really stand out. Of them all, I think Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bob Dylan were and are utterly extraordinary, but like I said, it's subjective. Gordon Lightfoot also gets less credit, often, than he deserves. His catalog of songs is incredible...it's like a cultural history of North America (with particular connections to Canada). - LH |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: GUEST,Nathan in Texas Date: 17 Jul 02 - 09:21 PM For me, the Nitty Gritty Dirtband's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album was probably as influential as any individual listed. Of course, that's in part because it introduced me to so many greats. It also "legitimized" a whole genre of music to a kid who was too "cool" to recognize that there was anything worth listening to in "hillbilly" music. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) Date: 17 Jul 02 - 06:48 PM Dear Selby (Keith)- I loved your post...that's it for me and should be for all of us. Enough of this name-dropping and big-fan stuff. Cheers to families, communities, all "unknown keepers" of the music, the stories, the loving memories saved and given to the new generations. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: GUEST,tandrink Date: 17 Jul 02 - 05:02 PM I haven't posted in about 6 months..but the fact that no one has mentioned Rev. Gary Davis has compelled me to add him. RGD was not only a great player in his own right, he personally taught a lot of the guys who keep the Country Blues/Fingerpicking tradition alive. I'll also add: Son House Blind Willie McTell Big Bill Broonzy Muddy Waters (and Otis Spann and Jimmy Rogers from his band) ...I'm sure I'm leaving out other guys. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Hrothgar Date: 17 Jul 02 - 05:32 AM I am very much surprised that the only people to mention Leadbelly so far have been the Norwegians (unless I missed something!). |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: boglion Date: 16 Jul 02 - 06:15 PM No mention of Christy Moore except in his time in Planxty! Surely the most extraordinary performer of Irish music last century. My main influences: Dylan - The Clancys - The Dubs - Roy Harper (and all the gang at Cousins) - a kind of lost period including Hendrix and Cream - Christy - Saw Doctors. Then again it's all personal. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Folkie Date: 16 Jul 02 - 08:32 AM The Watersons - I first heard them in 1964 at the age of 14 and they changed my life. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Jack the Sailor Date: 16 Jul 02 - 01:03 AM Performers, Ground Breakers those copied to excess... Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry (If he is in any way folk music. he did invent a certain type of performing and songwriting. His influence on the Beach boys and Beatles changed popular music), Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Makem and Clancy's, Stan Rogers, Chieftians |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Bull Am Date: 16 Jul 02 - 12:25 AM I hope I haven't overlooked any contributors, but I count myself as the third to mention ol' Satchmo (Louis Armstrong). Believe you me, I will be the first to add my support to many of the other names mentioned (Woody, the Clancys, Doc, Pete, Ramblin', Bobby Zim, etc.). However, for me personally, Louis is a performer that applies to all genres, including folk. I think that there are too many folks who revel in Louis' legacy of soul, enthusiasm, and just plain love for music who aren't cognizant of his contributions. In terms of folk music, he brought to public light genres that had been a strong part of American musical tradition (blues, country, scat, etc) and combined them to form something new...Enough of my ramblin'... |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 15 Jul 02 - 11:19 PM A few folks I didn't see listed: The New Lost City Ramblers/Mike Seeger John Prine John Hartford The Grateful Dead/Garcia & Grisman (for getting lots of folks of a rock mentality to listen to folk music) Bruce |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: DMcG Date: 15 Jul 02 - 05:15 PM I am suprised some of these names haven't been mentioned yet from the UK side
Bob & Ron Copper, Sam Larner, Walter Pardon et al Although I don't think all of these were necessarily major 'players' in their own right, the influence each has/had is huge
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Warsaw Ed Date: 15 Jul 02 - 04:24 PM I came across this old Thread somewhat by accident and upon reading it quickly, I am somewhat stunned not to see the name of JOHN McCORMACK even once!! He was certainly influential for half the century in my clan. Ed |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: northfolk/al cholger Date: 02 Jan 00 - 09:16 PM Totally agree with those that nominate Pete Seeger, who I believe had the most profound effect on defining, interpreting and spreading folk music... Don and Mick spoke of Joe Hill, who saw music as a means to simplify a message so that language and cultural barriers could be bridged, and people could identify their common interests... I'll add a couple others, Merle Travis/ Chet Atkins, and Uncle Dave Macon, for their effects on the traditional music that became "country". And, although I don't know that they played anything more than the field recorder, John and Alan Lomax sure had a major influence in preserving this music.
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Benjamin Date: 02 Jan 00 - 04:46 PM Gargoyle, I'm a big fan of Phil Keaggy. I believe the story you are reffering to has nothing to do with Clapton. The story that I've heard (over and over) was that it was Hendrix. I guess Johny Carson asked Hendrix what it was like being the best guitarist in the world and Henrix said you'd have to ask Phil Keaggy. I never believed the story for a number of reasons (one being that he has never confirmed this) but it is appearently documented on an old episode of Johny Carson. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: DonMeixner Date: 02 Jan 00 - 04:19 PM Has anyone else noticed how seldom Elvis Presley was mentioned in this listing. I must admit he thrilled me not at all when he was alive and i refuse to lionize him in his death but now and then he had a style no one else came close to. If I had to pick a rock performer for this list it would be Sam Cooke. Don |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: selby Date: 02 Jan 00 - 11:10 AM All performers hold special places in the heart's of all of us and in our minds make them influential. But I think the most influential are the least known the people who love the tradition in their own area. Those who enjoy and share with those who are intrested in what they do be it music singing or dancing. Long live the tradition in whatever country you may live. Keith |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: phil Date: 02 Jan 00 - 04:14 AM Why, has no one mentioned the three who brought busking to the fore...Derrol Adams,Alex Cambell and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Bugsy Date: 02 Jan 00 - 02:38 AM If it came to guitarists, Martin Simpson would have to be the one for me. cheers Bugsy |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: _gargoyle Date: 02 Jan 00 - 02:37 AM Sorry, that name is Phil Keaggy |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: _gargoyle Date: 02 Jan 00 - 02:23 AM Visiting with guitar players this evening, question was asked.
One presented Eric Clapton (I agree, and toss in VanHalen also)
Another told the story, of 25 years ago, Calpton was asked the same question.....his reply, "Phil Kagey." |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Hasek Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:16 PM I guess I 'm pretty young : Willie P. Bennett Bruce Cockburn Aztec Two-Step Bob Dylan Murray MacLaughlin The Clancy Brothers/ Tommy Makem |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: MTed Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:53 AM EJ, I am not opposed to including Elvis. Hendrix, Chuck Berry, and other rock n roll types at all--in fact, if I was going to list anyone, they would have been on my list-- Bonnie, A TK is half yiddish name for is a person who does what might be called, "buttering up"-- Don Meixner, Nice list and explanations--I was particularly glad to see the dancers listed, because the connection between American music and tap dance is usually overlooked-- |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Jeremiah McCaw Date: 29 Dec 99 - 04:48 PM The early Gordon Lightfoot for one generation, and Stan Rogers for a later one. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Mudjack Date: 29 Dec 99 - 04:45 PM MIDCHUCK AND MUDJACK are not the same mudcat altered egos, but we sure share the same music taste and my list is his list but add Pete Seeger, Ramblin Jack Elliott. The KIngston Trio has got to be in there simply because they introduced "FOLK" to so many people in the world. Mudjack |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: JedMarum Date: 29 Dec 99 - 04:23 PM Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, of course but I have to add the Beatles - because they helped the genre of folk based music reach mainstream ears. They helped the acoustic intstruments and message based lyrics of folk music take over the maintstream pop culture. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Little Neophyte Date: 29 Dec 99 - 03:32 PM MTed, I was quite serious. Rick Fielding was the most influential performer for me. In a few years I might be able to come up with a more evolved list. Until then, I am greatful for this thread as a base for learning. What does TK stand for? Rick, MTed & I are very interested in knowing who you would list as this century's most influential performers. BB |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Steve Latimer Date: 29 Dec 99 - 03:19 PM I realize that the question asked about the most influential folk musician, but I don't really like distinctions in music. I believe the artists who have had the most influence on the music of today are Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan. Yes, they had mentors, but I think Johnson was the finest poet of his genre as well as having honed what he learned from the guitarists of his era, Patton, House etc into a style that became the basis for the Blues. Muddy Waters and his band (I sure don't want to down play the contribution of Little Walter and Willie Dixon, but it was Muddy's band) defined the Chicago sound that in my opinion was the direct father of Rock and Roll. Chuck Berry took it to the next step, and say what you like about Lonnie Donegan, The Beatles and Stones were hugely influenced by the sound Chuck Berry created. Bob taught us that it was okay to say something other than "tell your ma, tell your pa, our love's gonna grow, oowha oohwa". I guess that George Martin and Phil Spector should also be mentioned. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Jon Freeman Date: 29 Dec 99 - 02:10 PM Ana, I don't take these sort of threads to seriously but regard them as a bit of fun and am finding it interesting to find which names crop up. Regarding bias, I agree that it is almost impossible to be objective and as I suggested in my previous post believe a lot of this is to do with the folk music a particular person got into. I live in North Wales but just of the top of my head, I can think of one person who would certainly include Stan Rogers, another who would certainly include Pete Seeger and one who is likey to include Woodie Guthrie and Ramblin Jack Elliot... In my previous post I made a slightly more unusual suggestion that most have made even though I believe he (including the bands he played with) had a great influence on the direction of Irish Music. If I was to come onto personal influences, I also would have to mention: The Clancey Brothers and Tommy Makem for being the first players of folk music that I listened to. The Dubliners, especially Barney McKenna becuase listening to his playing was a major influence in me learning to play the tenor banjo and getting into the "traditional" side. Oddly enough, even though I love Irish traditional music, the Chieftans had no effect on me. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Ana Date: 29 Dec 99 - 01:32 PM Me again, and now I'm going to be sensible!!Note how many of us have a bias as to the States v UK, or as to era? I don't think we can truly come up with an objective answer as to "the" most influential' - we will have each been molded/influenced/fed by what we've been individually exposed to. Maybe we should be looking a little broader, and include non-performers (and from outside of this century) - what about those tireless collectors of music, the people who ensured that the treasure's of sound and thought (from whence we sprang) would not be lost, and could be accessible to all. I often feel gratitude for the legacy they have left. Ana |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: KingKnut in Norway Date: 29 Dec 99 - 11:30 AM Here are the results of the "Norwegian jury": Woody Guthrie Leadbelly Robert Johnson Bessie Smith Hank Williams The Dubliners Pete Seeger The Chieftains Muddy Waters …and of course Mr Robert Zimmerman
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Willie-O Date: 29 Dec 99 - 10:34 AM If you look under a guitar player's calluses, you will find traces of Doc Watson's influences. And if you look under any flat rock you will find a guitar player. And I don't understand making a difference between "traditional" and "folk" in the first place...but if there were two lists, Doc would be on both, because you can't "pretty up" what he does, or smooth out the rough edges for mass consumption, because there are none. He still plays great and sings great and nobody can touch what he does. Bill C |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Dec 99 - 09:40 AM He's a big guy Bert...but illness has taken a toll...so sure. Truthfully, he does belong on this kind of list somewhere. As does Willie and EmmyLou because of their multi-layered crossovers. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Gern Date: 29 Dec 99 - 09:36 AM If your list is allowed to stray outside the folk confines, then someone must mention Louis Armstrong. I suppose it's up to me... |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Bert Date: 29 Dec 99 - 09:18 AM Seeing as MTed has allowed us more than one choice do you think we could squeeze Johnny Cash in here somewhere? |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: DonMeixner Date: 29 Dec 99 - 08:35 AM Igor Stravinsky- Its Ok to be ground breaking Jan Sibelius- Its Ok to be dramatic Jascha Haifitz- Simply the best that ever was Joe Hill- Proved to all that this music has power Jimmie Rodgers- Sang jazz and blues and convinced the world its country. Bessie Smith- Showed that women could sing Mightily Robert Johnston- Showed us how to sing the blues Charley Christian- Showed us the potential of the electron in music. The Nickolas Brothers- Showed us what tap was about. Fred Astaire-Showed us what style was about. The Sons of the Pioneers-Where harmony begain (for me anyway) Woody, Pete, Burl, Cisco, helped to keep folk alive and fuel its re-emergence after the War. Malvina Reynolds-For showing that women could write and sing on their own terms. Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Buffy St. Marie, for picking up after Woody, Pete, Burl, and Cisco. The Clancys and Tommy Makem- For bringing Irish music in from Tin Pan Alley and showing us the sod and the shanty. This list becomes endless. There are so many people who have influenced and continue to influence people in the was they perform. Of course subjetc as it is to opinion there is no right or wrong answer. But I would have to say that only one person has influenced so broad a area of musical tastes and style be on his years. That would be Jimmie Rodgers. Don
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: InOBU Date: 29 Dec 99 - 08:14 AM Och MTed! Is it not true that they always defame you when you are goe. But, you do being up a good point. I think we must admit to the influence of Milly Vanilly on traditional music, whithout whom many of us would not have the courage to sing the Stan Rogers song, The Antelope Sloop outside of Nova Scotia, thereby depriving the one Nova Scotian in every bar in New York of a sweet nostalgic musical trip to Halifax. But Dam-me I do love that song! Larry |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Clinton Hammond2 Date: 29 Dec 99 - 07:41 AM Umm... Shouldn't Stan Rogers be on this list somewhere... One of the cornerstones of Canadian folk music... Kinda the Buddy Holly of Canada... Just so long as when I say Canadian Folk Music, the name people DON'T think of is Stompin' Tom!! LOL!! |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Dec 99 - 07:22 AM Oh, everybody already mentioned.....and Jean Ritchie, John Hurt, countless church congregations and shape-note singers, hundreds of mountain families playing and singing songs they'd learned from their elders, and a special thanks to those few folks (probably Irish) who didn't buy pianos when they became smaller, more movable, and less expensive, and kept their lumberjack pianos instead. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 29 Dec 99 - 04:20 AM For female singer-songwriter I'd have to go with Buffy Sainte-Marie over either Judy Collins or Joni Mitchell--her "My Country 'Tis of Thy People" is probably the most passionate protest song ever written (or performed). I'd also like to say a few words in defense of Dylan's tune writing and--when he had a mind for it--the clarity of his lyrics. Melodically: "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands," "Don't Think Twice," "Just Like a Woman," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere." Lyrics, "Don't Think Twice," "Just Like a Woman," and--although they are incomprehensible, they are beautiful--"Sad-Eyed Lady..." Leadbelly. 'Nuff said. --seed |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Ana Date: 29 Dec 99 - 03:14 AM Ooh and Maddy Prior, and Steeleye Span, Scarlet Rivera (does she count ? and what happened to her?) Cheiftains ...got to stop somewhere...Ana |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Ana Date: 29 Dec 99 - 03:08 AM Aah - trip down memory lane to those who inspired me in my lifetime - Peter Paul and Mary, Joan Baez,Incredible String band (yeah!) Jethro Tull (Hm Hmmmm) Fairport convention (and members including Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Martin Carthy in their own right) Pentangle, Renbourne, Bert Jancsh ah so many - I was obviously a 70's gal. Ana |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Benjamin Date: 29 Dec 99 - 02:43 AM The most important folk singer- I believe it would be Pete Segger. The most important outside of folk- I going to take a left from everyone else and say Earth Wind and Fire- Six Consecutive Double Platinum Albums ( 2 million ) "That's The Way Of The World" "Gratitude" "Spirit" "All N' All" "Best Of ...., Vol. I" "I Am" First Black Act To Top Billboard Pop Single And Album Charts Simultaneously (May 24, 1975) "Shining Star" (Single) "That's The Way Of The World" (LP) First Black Act To Receive Columbia Records Crystal Globe Award Signifying Five (5) Million Albums Sold Outside Home Country. Top Selling Band in Columbia Records History First Black Act To Tour With Completely Self-Contained Stage Presentation. (Staging, Lights, Sound, Costumes, Trucking, Etc.) First Black Act To Headline An Arena Tour Around The World Without An Opening Act - 1979 (US, Europe, Japan). First Black Act To Bring Full Production Show To South America - 1980 First Black Act To Receive Madison Square Garden Gold Ticket Award For 100,000 Tickets Sold. Pretty remarkable! Not to many will agree they are the most important preformers, but they accomplished a lot! |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Lonesome EJ Date: 29 Dec 99 - 01:26 AM Pete Seeger, Bill Monroe, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan, BB King, The Carter Family, Elmore James, Jimmie Rodgers, John Fahey, Judy Collins and (sorry MTed) Hendrix, Presley, Joplin and Chuck Berry. |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: MTed Date: 29 Dec 99 - 12:05 AM InOBU, What about the rumours that they only danced and lipsynched the words in the stage show, and that the actual recording was done by their unscrupulous manager, Maurice Von Zoink? |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Sandy Paton Date: 28 Dec 99 - 11:51 PM For influence on me, personally, if not on my century, in chronological order: Warren Povey, Pete Seeger, Paul Clayton, Ewan MacColl, Frank Proffitt and Horton Barker. On my century? In the folk revival: Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Ewan MacColl. Sandy |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: InOBU Date: 28 Dec 99 - 11:19 PM Dear Mbo, Quite right sir! The Goink was a mere 2, at the time, thus the seeming spin on decent, and as to the question of Boink, I am looking for the only recording they made together, the 1812 overture, on nose flute and bubble gum. On a less serrious note, I guess I would have to say Ewan McColl almost invented how we think of traditional music today. Larry |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Big Mick Date: 28 Dec 99 - 10:48 PM Mother Maybelle Carter Joe Hill Woody Gutherie Leo Rowsomme Robby McMahon The Chieftains |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: gillymor Date: 28 Dec 99 - 10:20 PM Donal Lunny an excellent and not too obvious selection. He had a hand in many of my favorite recordings and his bouzouki is magic but his former bandmate, Andy Irvine also deserves mention. Frankie |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: Gary Martin Date: 28 Dec 99 - 10:17 PM On the Folk DJ mailing list a few months ago somebody asked for the 10 people who made the greatest impact on North American folk music. Or something like that. The question was very poorly posed. Here's the nine I suggested, together with one great suggestion that someone made for the tenth. In alphabetical order: Moses Asch - Folkways Records, getting the music heard A.P. Carter - almost everything Michael Coleman - Irish music in America Bob Dylan - male singer/songwriters Woody Guthrie - political songwriting Robert Johnson - blues, early rock and roll Joni Mitchell - female singer/songwriters Bill Monroe - bluegrass Jimmie Rodgers - country Pete Seeger - the folk revival of the 60s |
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Subject: RE: Century's Most Influential Performers? From: MTed Date: 28 Dec 99 - 08:48 PM InOBU--Did you think that the Goink was more important than his brother, The Boink? Bonnie, don't be such a TK!!!(But really, I'd like to know who Rick would list--can you get him in on this?} Peter T--Louis Armstrong is a really good one!! The more I thought about him, the more important he seemed to be--but he is not as "popular" now, and not much mentioned-- Dick, am glad to see that someone mentioned Sandburg, who was, in many ways, the Granddaddy to us all--
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