One of the most prominent figures in the American Folk Music Revival of the 1960’s, Dave Van Ronk made his career recording and re-arranging classic folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and ragtime songs. Known throughout the Greenwich Village folk scene, he was nicknamed “The Mayor Of MacDougal Street” for his heavy presence in local venues and record shops. In those days, he could often be seen with Bob Dylan, a close friend with whom he frequently performed.

Today, Dave Van Ronk is considered one of the most influential figures in American folk music. While artists like Dylan rose to prominence as songwriters, Van Ronk stayed a largely underground presence, focusing his talents on the preservation of traditional American music.