I don't' now if I ever told this story here, but some years ago, my wife and I were out shopping and she wanted to go to our local Home Goods store. It was late in the day and I really didn't want to go but I took her anyway. I didn't feel like sitting in the car so I went in and was aimlessly wandering around when I passed this gentleman who looked vaguely familiar. So I circled around to pass him a second time. Still nothing, after I passed him again, it suddenly hit me, Fred Hellerman! I wouldn't have recognized him if I hadn't recently seen the Weavers on a PBS show. So I approached him and said "Hi, mind if I ask you a question?" He was nice about it and said "Go ahead" I asked "Is your name Fred?" He looked surprised and said "Yes." The I asked "Fred Hellerman?" His eyes lit up and he said "Yes!" I introduced myself and told him I was a big fan of the Weavers, had most of their recordings, and was an old folkie myself. He seemed genuinely surprised that I recognized him and was a fan. We chatted for a bit, then I got some paper and a pen from one of the clerks and got his autograph. Such a surprise to run into a real legend like that. I was happy I caved into my wife wanting to go to Home Goods and glad I went into the store!
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Did you ever see Fred Hellerman play guitar with anything other than a flatpick?
SMTLSLT!
Regards ........ Glen