However, the Clancys and Makem did not become a permanent singing group until 1959. In the meanwhile, Paddy Clancy signed and recorded established folk artists for Tradition Records, including Alan Lomax, Ewan MacColl, Paul Clayton, Ed McCurdy, Oscar Brand, and Jean Ritchie. Tradition also produced Odetta's first solo LP, "Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues", which Bob Dylan (a friend of the Clancys) later cited as his inspiration to become a folk singer. Carolyn Hester's self-titled album with Tradition led to her first public recognition and her signing with Columbia Records.