The truth about his dedication as Folk Photographer lies, from my
perspective, in his decades steeped love for the people and music of the
folk music world. I feel the secret of his particular photographic
voice is simply that he adores the subjects of his portraiture. He
collects us for himself - with his own vision - then reflects us back at
ourselves and because of his affection, we don't look as stupid as we
are. This is what makes Roberts work outstanding... and so it forms the
natural visual counterpart to the music and lyrics. To him, it doesn't
feel like dedication maybe, but we all are the beneficiaries of his
obsessive-compulsiveness (or whatever you call it) none the less.
Bill Hall