[Famous Gibson acoustic artists]

...and the guy who literally inspired Renbourn and McTell to pick up those J-50s, Davy Graham. For those who don't know this guy, he's credited with starting the entire UK folk blues guitar movement, he virtually invented world music and influenced just about every player who came after. A poor singing voice and a debilitating drug habit seriously curtailed his success, but those who know about guitar will tell you Davy was THE man. His 60s Decca LPs (issued on the London label in the US) are unbelievable. In case of confusion, he later spelled his name Davey.

 

Davey Graham was great in the 1960s - but, as you say, drugs caught up with him and his playing deteriorated.

 

He was still playing (only occasionally) 10 years or so back here in England. A friend of mine went to see him in concert and said he was absolutely dreadful. A sad way to end a career built initially on such a talent.

 

On a brighter note, he also played the oud - this fits with your "world music" comment above. Though, to be fair, it was a Guild player, Richie Havens (of Woodstock film fame), who did at least as much to kick WM off.

[INTRODUCE YOURSELF]

Hello from Jonny in Manchester, England.

 

Owner of a 1949 Gibson J-50.

 

Would post pics, but photo hosting sites I have used have nearly always fallen over, so . . . .