Cathy Fink — Rare Footage & Clips
Cathy Fink's fingers danced across the fretboard of her guitar as she harmonized with her partner Marcy Marxer at the iconic Folklore Center in New York City in 1977. The clip from our archive captures a moment in time when folk music was alive and kicking, and Cathy Fink was right at its forefront. With over six decades of active years under her belt, Fink's legacy is one that spans generations, genres, and geographical boundaries.
Kissing Is A Crime, released in 1977, marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Fink and Marxer. The album's title track, with its catchy melody and witty lyrics, showcased the duo's ability to craft songs that were both humorous and poignant. This was no small feat, considering the musical landscape of the late 1970s. Folk music was evolving, incorporating elements from bluegrass, country, and children's music, and Fink was at the helm of this creative evolution.
That's What I Believe, released just a year later in 1978, solidified Fink's reputation as a masterful songwriter and performer. The album's eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, and children's songs demonstrated Fink's willingness to push boundaries and explore new sounds. This was an era when folk music was becoming more experimental, incorporating elements from other genres to create something fresh and innovative.
Fink's collaboration with Duck Donald in 1978 yielded another notable album, Cathy Fink & Duck Donald. The duo's harmonies were as smooth as silk, their songwriting as sharp as a razor. This partnership marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career for Fink, one that would see her perform alongside some of the most iconic figures in folk music.
The early 1980s saw Fink continue to push the boundaries of folk music with albums like Doggone My Time (1982) and Grandma Slid Down the Mountain (1984). The former's blend of bluegrass and children's music was a departure from traditional folk, while the latter's use of storytelling and poetic lyrics showcased Fink's mastery of language.
The Leading Role, released in 1985, marked a turning point in Fink's career. This album saw her incorporating more pop elements into her music, creating a sound that was both catchy and memorable. The Washington Area Music Association took notice, recognizing Fink with numerous Wammie Awards for folk, bluegrass, and children's music.
Fink's partnership with Marcy Marxer continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s. When The Rain Comes Down (1988) was a critically acclaimed album that showcased the duo's ability to craft songs that were both poignant and uplifting. Help Yourself! (1990), released just a year later, solidified Fink's reputation as one of the leading figures in folk music.
Fink's influence extends far beyond her own music. As an educator and activist, she has worked tirelessly to promote social justice through music. Her performances with Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Tom Paxton, Patsy Montana, Riders in the Sky, and others have left a lasting impact on generations of musicians.
Today, Cathy Fink's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Her commitment to using her platform for good has made her a beloved figure in the music community. As we look back on her remarkable career, it is clear that Fink's significance extends far beyond her own music. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of folk music over the past six decades.
The Washington Area Music Association's numerous Wammie Awards for Fink are a testament to her enduring impact on the music world. Her partnership with Marcy Marxer has yielded some of the most iconic albums in folk history, cementing their place as one of the most beloved and respected duos in the genre.
Curated from public records and music databases.
