Hi Sam - You have been my inspiration from the time I was a teenager onward to learn guitar and as many children's folk songs as possible to entertain my children and their classmates as they grew up.

I met you first when you volunteered in the mid-50s for a weekly fundraiser on folk singing for the Point Loma Democratic Club. Those weekly sessions were at my house when I was only thirteen years old. Of course I was fascinated by your knowldege and style, especially "The Arkansas Traveller," with your combo of guitar playing and harmonica playing with the harmonica totally in your mouth! Never saw anything like it before or since, except catching you in live performances now and then.

Glad to see you are still around. My mother (Helen Lustig) and father (Myron "Mike" Lustig) always said one should try to leave the world better than when one entered it. You've done your part many times over in fulfilling that belief. Thanks for your inspiration and the many good times and sights and sounds you've helped create.

Dear Sam,

Just a note to say what a miracle the internet is, and how glad I am it's brought my path across yours again. I remember you from Topanga Canyon Banjo&Fiddle days, when the Festival was a brand new thing.

Blessings on your head, and thank you, for the music and the memories.

ANTONELLO DE PIERRO Gianni Alemanno

I bought "Whoever Shall Have Some Good Peanuts" in 1964 and have loved it ever since. I played it for my sons as they grew up and now for my grandson. It won't seem the same without the scratches, but now that I can get a CD version, I'll be able to keep playing it for much longer.

It should be on everyone's Top-100 Albums!

Dear Sam~
We met so many years ago at the Old Time Cafe in Leucadia. My boys Sam (great name!) and Max learned to play spoons and jaws harp at your feet. We ate dinners with your songs as our dinner music and now Sam's son Isaac does the same. At four years old, he knows all the words! I have several of the Grunion Greeter Certificates of Merit that you designed and carry your Seashore Life of Southern California whenever we go tide pooling. Your new harmonica album will be under our Christmas tree this year. You have enriched our lives in so many ways and we love you!
Sincerely,
Chris Harrell

Dear Sam,
I grew up in San Diego, attended San Diego City Schools. I can remember each and every special trip to the auditorium to listen to your stories, hear your music, and show us all the instruments you brought along. I always loved it when you played the penny whistle. You showed me the wonderful history of American folk music and lit a fire within me that still burns today as I have played the guitar, mandolin, harmonica, penny whistle, and accordian ever since....In high school I saw all the great American artists from Patsy Montana to Sonny Brownie and Sam McGee at the San Diego Folk festivals. And even when I attended UCSD and studied Chemistry I saw that you offered a "History of American Folklore" class in the Literature department, I didn't need any Lit credits but I was the first to sign up...and what a thrill and wonderful experience that was ! I spent an evening at Sea World when you performed for a group of Biologists running the slide projector...and I will never forget your performance of your song...
" It's a long way from Amphyoxis ! It's a long way to Us,
Its a long way from Ampyoxis
To the meanest human Cus,
So Good bye fins and Gill slits,
And hello skin and Hair !
It's a long way from Amphyoxis,
But we all came from there !!"
Sung to the tune of "It's a long way to Tipperary "

What wonderful gifts you have given me, what a wonderful man you are...so special in my life.

Thank you and Good Health,

Larry Papa

Hello, Sam,

Were your ears burning this afternoon? I have a singing group in Del Mar that meets once a month at my house. This afternoon, we sang 'I'm My Own Grandpa' using copies of the melody and lyrics you graciously gave me one night 30 years ago after hearing you sing it at the Old Time Cafe in Leucadia. My granchildren are now listening to the songs on 'Whoever Shall Have Some Good Peanuts'. Your love of music lives on in our family. Thank you!! Linda Chisari

Mr. Hinton, when my mother found out I loved folk music, in the late 1950's she bought me your album "A Family Tree of Folk Songs" I have loved this album and still have it today almost 50 later. I loved the way you showed the progression of the songs through the years. Thank you so much for all of the happy wonderful years of music. I hope this finds you well.
Chuck Feuquay :-)

Sorry to hear that you are not doing so well, Sam.

I've finally found a new guestbook for Sam's site. This one should be a bit more spam-proof.

Please leave a message for Sam by clicking the "Sign the Guestbook" link in the upper right corner of the page.