In May 2023, Folkways Records, the iconic American independent label, turned 75. It’s been quite a journey for this legendary collection of music and sound, founded by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in New York. Over the years, Folkways has become a treasure trove of thousands of albums, ranging from the roots of American folk music to capturing the everyday sounds of life from all corners of the globe. To mark this milestone, Smithsonian Folkways is teaming up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival and Smithsonian Folklife Festival to present incredible live music performances. Artists include Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Alice Gerrard, Jake Blount, No-No Boy, and more talented artists gracing the stage.
In addition, Folkways is also reissuing some of their classic albums on LP, including the Sounds of North American Frogs. Moreover, Smithsonian Folkways is launching a new program called Friends of Folkways. For a minimum monthly donation of just $5, fans can become supporters and gain access to the entire collection through streaming.
Since 1948, Folkways has shaped American music in ways that can’t be understated. From Woody Guthrie’s iconic rendition of “This Land Is Your Land” that resonated with the entire nation, to the Anthology of American Folk Music, which played a pivotal role in defining counterculture in the 1960s, Folkways has been at the forefront. The swing of Mary Lou Williams, the groundbreaking music of John Cage, the nurturing melodies of Ella Jenkins—these are just a few examples of the incredible artistry that has graced this label. And let’s not forget the label’s dedication to capturing the rich tapestry of world music. With hundreds of recordings from every corner of the globe, Folkways has truly been a bridge connecting cultures through sound.
Even after Moses Asch’s passing and the acquisition of the label by the Smithsonian Institution in the late 1980s, the mission of Folkways lived on through Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. They’ve continued to release outstanding albums by artists like Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, and the Kronos Quartet, among many others. It’s an ongoing legacy that keeps the spirit of Folkways alive and thriving.
On July 6, the Smithsonian Folkways will showcase “Folkways at 75,” an event featuring Jake Blount, No-No Boy, and a screening of Early Abstractions, short films by Harry Smith, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Blount and No-No Boy belong to a fresh generation of musicians releasing music on Folkways, challenging audiences to reconsider the past and future of folk music while delving into the intricacies of their own cultural heritage through song. The program, which is free and accessible to the public, will commence at 8:30pm on the National Mall. Additional information can be found here.
The Smithsonian Folkways is also collaborating with the Brooklyn Folk Festival for an extensive weekend of activities from November 10 to 12, commemorating 75 years of Folkways Records. Performers range from individuals who previously recorded for Asch and Folkways, such as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Alice Gerrard, Sonia Sanchez, and Peggy Seeger, to contemporary artists currently releasing music on Smithsonian Folkways, including Blount, Dom Flemons, Charlie Parr, and the Down Hill Strugglers. There will also be numerous tributes honoring the resourcefulness of Folkways compiler Harry Smith, including a performance by The Fugs and a question-and-answer session with author John Szwed. Further workshops and discussions will be announced in the near future. Discover specific details, obtain tickets, and access more information here.
Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways plans to reissue and reproduce many beloved Folkways albums on LP, packaged in the iconic black tip-on jackets with wrap-around, paste-on artwork (PRE-ORDER). The Sounds of North American Frogs, a renowned release by Charles Bogert capturing frog sounds from across the continent, will be reintroduced on LP for the first time since 1958, accompanied by new Acoustic Herpetology bumper stickers designed by Darryl Norsen. The New Lost City Ramblers with Cousin Emmy, one of the group’s most popular albums, will also be available on LP for the first time since 1968. Additionally, two albums from the late ’70s by poet Sarah Webster Fabio, Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues and Together to the Tune of Coltrane’s “Equinox,” will be reissued. Re-pressings of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, and Lightnin’ Hopkins are also open for pre-order.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central