My mother listened to John Denver while pregnant with me, and I guess it just stuck. I began writing my own songs in elementary school -- as soon as I could pick out a few notes on the piano. My brothers introduced me to Woody Guthrie (who is an acquired taste worth acquiring), and Dylan and Springsteen walked in his shadow. After "losing my religion" for many years, Derek Webb made it possible for me to write songs about my faith again. I believe that folk music belongs to everyone (download...