God bless you, John. God bless you. I am so glad you made this video.

I was the guy who played the tenor recorder with you on the porch that night
at the picnic.

On the morning of the Quarry Farm picnic I walked up to Hal Holbrook and
stuck out my hand. He took it in his and didn't let go. He said, "What
brings you here?"

I said, "When I was seventeen I saw you on TV, and I thought then that Mark
Twain was a pretty funny fellow. After I'd grown I read him and found that
he was singing a song that was already in my heart. From that day to this
I've just wanted to hum along. And you sir, you were the first link in a
very long chain...so I thank you."

He loosened his grip but only slightly. He had heard what I said. He didn't
say a word. He just stared at me with those pale blue eyes. They suddenly
grew red and tears formed on the rims. He placed his other hand across my
forearm, swallowed hard and gave me a nod.

Rick Talbot