Ray Hicks was a master storyteller, a deep well of stories and inspiration for folklorists, tellers, listeners and all who knew him. He was born on Beech Mountain in the Southern Appalachians and lived with his wife Rosa on land that had been in his family since the 17th century.

I first met Ray in October, 1973 in Jonesborough, TN. It was an afternoon that changed my life. He became the cornerstone of storytelling in America, was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a National Treasure and was my dear friend and mentor for over 30 years.

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