-----------"SONGS I WAS TAUGHT TO LOVE"----------- Back in the 1940's as a young boy I was introduced to the world of self-made music by my father (1903-1983) who sang and played the banjo uke and tenor banjo. There was no pretense here, just simple straight out stuff, much of it Tin Pan Alley. It was this simplicity of delivery that attracted me as a teenager in the 1950's to British skiffle music in general and Lonnie Donegan in particular. Exploring the origins of British skiffle led me to Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, the Carter Family, and all the old-timey music from the 20's, 30's and 40's. In 1960 (or was it 1961?) I saw the New Lost City Ramblers play at McGill University in Montreal. These guys took everything that I knew and loved about "simple" music to another level... During the early 1960's (inspired by the NLCR, the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Bob Gibson, Judy Collins, Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan) I played folk music in and around the Montreal area, but in the late 60's I put music aside. Other adventures... marriage, children, took over my life and psychedelic rock, which was great to listen to, did not inspire me musically. Then in 1998 I met Bob Fuller who's dedication to the preservation of old-time country music is legendary in Canada. His commitment inspired me to go back to my roots and reinvent my musical personna. I have been playing my brand of simple "songster" music at Bob Fuller's Hillbilly Night (Monday nights at the Wheel Club) since 1998. Now in 2007 Lew Dite (gotta love the luddites) wants to spread this musical message through the power of the internet. It may take a while but it is my plan to put my entire repertoire of songs on youtube. Enjoy!

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