Thank-you so much for your comments on my video and channel. Jean, you've had a profound influence on my music over the years - not just the dulcimer but especially your wonderful ballad singing. I finally got to hear you live at a Pinewoods concert in the 80's. The material was fascinating as well as beautiful. It was the first time it had ever occurred to me that there might be other versions of the songs I grew up with. I promptly learned your version of London Bridge; and it was also the first time I had ever heard hymns being lined out - another revelation. I can't tell you how many songs I've learned from your singing over the years... certainly in the dozens. So knowing that my music and playing is something you really enjoy is immensely gratifying.
Blessings, peace and contentment,
Mark Gilston

Thanks so much for all these great videos! Your pal,oldtimerspal

Thank you for posting all these wonderful videos, Mr. Pickow! Jean Ritchie's music is one of my primary influences as a musician and it's inspiring to actually be able to see her sing and play.

Hello Mr. George, I love the videos and that top hat and those pants are awesome. you have any of him wearing a white top hat and white pants or bellbottoms? you wear top hats or pants that are belled?

Oh I forgot to add...I read that Jean is related to Buell Kazee. Is that true? Buell Kazee was my husbands great uncle.

I have enjoyed listening to Jean's music, very pure, sweet. I love the dulcimer and her musical style. Thank you for adding me as a friend.

Hello Jean and George!

You two are too sweet and kind! It's been so wonderful visiting with you, the few times we've had the opportunity. I do hope, when you're down in Florida next, that we might once again meet up. When I fell in love with the mountain dulcimer back in 1985 and began working for Bud and Donna Ford, we sold "The Dulcimer Book" and I remember thinking, "someday, I hope to meet Jean." And by God's grace, not only have I met Jean, but I've met George! Life is simply amazing.

Please keep those videos coming - it is such a vibrant and vivid window not only into the past, but hopefully into the future. Music of the people will survive long after the last corporation takes a dive (hey - a song lyric.) I'm still looking forward to viewing more of George's photo/video collection and Jean, I'd love to sit and pick with you one of these days when time is a blessing.

Thanks again, you two, for your encouragement and friendship.

Me ke aloha,

Bing

I see that you have some nice wonderful videos. If you like, you can subscribe on me and I will subscribe on you, so that we both know if I or you has new videos.

I am very pleased to see this video(Blue Diamond). My Step~Father and Step~Grandfather worked in the Blue Diamond Coal Mines for many many years. My Step~Father worked at Blue Diamond from approx.1971 until it was shut down in April or May of 1991. I was raised on the Blue Diamond Company Store and Commissary. I never had clothes come from anywhere but the Company Store for school. My Step~Father is Danny Hudson and was a Mine Foreman and was on the Mine Rescue Team for many many years. I was definitely raised a Coal Miner's Daughter.... I remember he use to get me Sticker's from the Coal Mine and other companies they dealt with. I was a Sticker Collecter at the time, I am now 37 years old and it now seems like yesterday. I was very happy to watch such a wonderful video about what is truely considered my childhood. Without Blue Diamond Coal Company my family would not have survived. Thank you so much...

Thanks to you guys- I enjoy reading your comments, but don't type, myself. Jean does it for me, blushing all the while as she reads your compliments to her! I dictate , or else she wouldn't write, being so modest.... These old videos, and the newer ones, sort of tell the story of our lives. It has been a good life, and we love re-living it. GP