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Okun was born in New York, attended Oberlin University where he studied piano, cello and voice, wanting to become a classical musician. "Then I studied all the instruments to become a music teacher. I didn't think I was a good enough musician to make a career. I taught school five years and began working in folk music in schools and outside and gradually developed a career as a folk expert.
"I was a great folk arranger. I worked for Harry Belafonte, the Brothers Four, Peter, Paul and Mary and the Chad Mitchell Trio. Suddenly folk became popular. No one was more surprised in the world than me,"
Okun arranged and produced all Peter, Paul and Mary's records until the trio broke up. He has done all of Denver's.
"Denver replaced Chad in the Chad Mitchell Trio. I auditioned lots of kids and picked him. He worked with the group three years before it disbanded."
Okun listens to a lot of records and remembers songs he likes, ones with interesting or creative melody, poetic lyrics that mean something, and, uncliched harmony.
Okun, who has been a record producer and music arranger, now is musical director for John Denver and the Starland Vocal Band.
*From an article by Mary Campbell*

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