I'm a 23-year-old fan of folk music--pretty much classic rock/pop in general, really. I was turned onto the folk music in a really awesome way (so I think). I'm a fan of Christopher Guest's films. A Mighty Wind is probably my favorite of all his work, and although the music was written with humor in mind, the closeness of the songs in the film to that of actual folk songs is quite uncanny! From there on, I wanted to explore where it all came from. Particularly, I thought the Folksmen were a real trip!
Anyway, I'm not hear to talk about me. On to the question!
I know you've been a member of the Kingston Trio and the Brothers Four. Due to your openness on this great message board, I'm also aware that you auditioned a couple times to be in the Limeliters. When I think of the folk groups of the movement, these are the three groups that come to my mind at first. Of course, there are other greats--but these are the three that I tend to listen to the most.
In your opinion, what do you think separates these three folk groups from each other? By any stretch of the imagination all were successful and had either movie or commercials deals and had their own avid supporters. Do you think one group had better musicians and singers? Do you think one group was more focused on the entertainment value of the live show or the music? Etc. Maybe the vibe and how each group worked and ran their affairs was different? I'm more so looking for your opinions of the group in their heydays, but you can give insight into present day if you'd like, too!
Of course, I have my own opinions, but I really wanted to know what you, a guy who's lifework has really been about spreading the joy of folk music, thinks? Sadly, I can't play a lick of anything...though I've always been interested in acquiring a banjo....
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