Oscar Brand, an absolute icon in the American folk scene,
passed away last week and I feel compelled to spotlight
this talented gentleman and all he’s done for the world!
Where to start?
He’s helped discover and performed with Bob Dylan,
Joan Baez, Woodie Guthrie, Pete Seeger, The Weavers and
many more top notch entities.
His New York City radio program ran for more than 70 years
showcasing all of the above performers and many more that
he felt deserved recognition…listed in the Guinness Book
of Records as the longest running radio show by a single
host!
Many, MANY more accomplishments, a seriously long and
distinguished list that would make him blush, but one stands
out above the rest.
In the 60s he was a board member of the group
that started the Children’s Television Workshop, aiding in the
development of a wonderful program called Sesame Street!
Here’s the cool part.
In a lighthearted response to some minor disagreements that
occurred with him on the set, the powers that be named a
Muppet after him, guess which one! 🙂
Here he is doing a cut that I love to play on the show…