Erik Darling (1933-2008) really was the whole American folk revival in one piece: Learned his first guitar chord in 1948. Was in Washington Square when that happened. Formed The Tarriers with Alan Arkin and Bob Carey…big hit with "The Banana Boat Song". Joined The Weavers for a 5 year stint after Seeger left in '58 and left them in 1962 to form The Rooftop Singers with Bill Svanoe and Lynne Taylor and they did "Walk Right In". Some cool solo albums and accompanied The Kossoy Sisters, Ed McCurdy, Judy Collins, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Jean Ritchie, Chad Mitchell. Mentored Don McLean and was Bela Fleck's first banjo teacher. Etc.
"I really like the music a lot." writes Chico. "He never sang with a fake southern accent or did any pretentious image making. In his way he was more authentic than Woody Guthrie. A real perfectionist, mentor to Don McLean, etc. He fashioned new songs from traditional sources and reimagined traditional songs, always being respectful of the original composers."
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| |  | Shady Grove (1900s) traditional U. S. (w/m)
First recorded by Kentucky Thorobreds |
| |  | True Religion (1961) True Religion and Other Blues, Ballads, and Folksongs Erik Darling (w/m) [adaptation of All I Want Is That Pure Religion] |
| |  | Little Birdie (1920s) traditional U. S. (w/m)
First recorded by John Hammond |