Derroll Adams

Ask the average folk enthusiast who Derroll Adams is, and chances are you'll get a vague glimmer of recognition, followed by a shrug of puzzlement. Few figures have effected as much of an impact on other musicians, while falling by the wayside before the public. Indeed, the only comparable figure who comes immediately to mind is England's Davy Graham, who influenced an entire generation of folk and rock guitarists, and at least one superstar (Paul Simon), but hasn't courted serious record sales in decades. Born Derroll Lewis Thompson in Portland, Oregon, he was the son of a ...