http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in0g-rpb9S4
THE LADY IN NEWPORT
By Lachlan MacLearn
In the summer of 1966 [sic, should be 1967] a relative unknown walked onto the stage at the Newport, Rhode Island Folk Festival, after being introduced by Judy Collins. It was a breezy summer’s evening and the crowd was restless. I remember thinking that this newcomer, whoever she was, was stepping into some serious company. I can’t recall the exact lineup. Probably Tim Hardin, Fred Neil, Odetta, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, and the like. As I said, `serious company...’ She appeared to be carrying a tiny Martin Triple-0, but I couldn’t be sure. She wore a long dress. I was too far back to decipher the face.
There was a round of light applause when she was introduced. A tentative strum rolled from the huge PA, then another, and she was beginning her opening number.
The song was ‘Michael from Mountains’. And by the end of the first verse, the crowd had gone from bordering-rude to pin-drop silence. I was riveted.
When the song ended, the strangest thing occurred. For at least five seconds (look at your watch...try to imagine it) the place was dead-silent - ten or fifteen thousand people - dead silent - and then a huge release of cheers and applause.
The short set included `Chelsea Morning’, and I think she played `The Circle Game’ before leaving the stage to a tumultuous and prolonged standing ovation.
I remember feeling so grateful for this amazing new talent and feeling equally sorry for anyone unfortunate enough to be going onstage after her.
Thank you