Lynette Wiley

Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY

John Heneghan

Friend, fan

John collects blues and country blues 78 rpm records from the 1920s-1940s. He has a collection that is perfectly catalogued, constantly added to and well respected.

John's collection of blues artists' albums are extremely rare. His understanding and study of the music makes him an expert in this type of music. He also plays the music with his long-time lady, in a band that has the sound and feel of these old records. Their band is the East River String Band.

About 1,000 perfect objects.

In an East Village studio apartment shared by John and Eden. It looks like a huge library stuffed into a tiny space.

John regularly hosts discussions and listening parties, sharing his knowledge, and this music with the community. In October, he gave a presentation at the American Folk Art Museum, playing the records. He also does a semi-annual "stump the chump" name that tune game at the Jalopy Theatre.