Folk Music Icon Happy Traum Dies at 86

Happy Traum, a legendary figure in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene and a longtime resident of Woodstock, New York, has passed away at 86 due to cancer, marking the end of a musical era. Traum, known for his finger-style guitar and banjo skills, was a pivotal influence on generations of musicians and a significant music instructor for over six decades. He played a key role in the folk music revival, recording with icons like Bob Dylan and being part of the New World Singers. Additionally, Traum co-founded Homespun Music, a renowned instructional music label, contributing significantly to music education globally.