Bob Laurent has long given unselfishly of his time, energy and personal resources reflecting his love for and support of the filk community.
He founded Wail Songs, which has been releasing live convention tapes since 1982, ensuring that a decade of filk, that might otherwise have been lost, is recorded. He co-edited and co-published STAVE THE WAILS, a songbook that collected many excellent filk songs of the 1980’s.
In the 80’s and early 90’s, Bob ensured that tapes were marketed at conventions and by mail. With his guidance, Wail Songs also brought foreign performers to the attention of the North American filk community with tape imports.
When Bayfilk ceased, Bob stepped in and ensured the continuation of a filk convention in Northern California, with the creation of Consonance, in which he is still involved.
He has actively encouraged new and emerging talent. Performers, writers, sound engineers and fellow con-runners, were noticed, honed their talents, or simply gained confidence because Bob was there giving support in many forms.
Interfilk was Bob’s creation and he continues as its president. As with his other endeavours its work is the promotion of filk and the filk community itself. He has injected both energy and resources into ensuring Interfilk would grow.
For these contributions to filk music and the filk community, Bob Laurent is inducted into the Filk Hall of Fame, this Twentieth day of April, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six.