Wasn't aware Robert Johnson mentored anyone - legend has it he would pack up his guitar and leave if he caught someone staring too close at his chording patterns. But he sure could play the blues.

Can't see the ARS actually allowing folkies into the room with them, unless they've been hired to move equipment or pronounce the longer words.

May be true about Johnson, except that his "step-son," Robert Lockwood, Jr., learned everything he knew from Johnson. Of course, Johnson might have had an ulterior motive.

As for folkies on the big broadcast, I think there's a good chance it will happen, if only because there aren't a lot of nominees this year that I would call typical folkies. They would probably pick the Contemporary folk category over Traditional folk (sorry Tim O'Brien and Tom Paxton), and who makes up that list? Nickel Creek, Rodney Crowel, John Prine, Ry Cooder and Bruce Springsteen - admittedly all on the Folk Alley playlist, but still...

I'm just glad the Weavers are getting some well overdue recognition. I hope all those remaining can make it!

I might even watch it this year.

Ann, I'd be a little careful with the proclamation about Lockwood learning everything he knows from Johnson. They interacted very little. And alot of Lockwood's PR is, how should I say, 'self' penned. Not to say he's a bad guy or anything, he IS related, etc. But I think Jim is probably 'closer to the mark' with his comments.
Cheers, Thom Wolke (manager: Guy Davis)