Monday, June 12, 2023
Smithsonian Folkways Records celebrates 75 years
Iconic imprint marks diamond jubilee with special live events and series of commemorative reissues
Moses Asch (right), Folkways Records co-founder
Eminent ethnomusicological curators Folkways Records mark 75 years of exemplary, pioneering existence with two special live showcases, a series of enticing back catalogue reissues and the launch of a new initiative, Friends of Folkways, which allows supporters to stream the imprint’s entire collection for a monthly donation (further details to be revealed later this summer).
Founded by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948 in New York City, the label has become one of the world’s most celebrated reliquaries of music and sound, and celebrates its landmark anniversary this year with a brace of live happenings. On July 6, Smithsonian Folkways presents ‘Folkways at 75’ at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, with a free programme boasting Jake Blount, No-No Boy and several film screenings, before partnering with the Brooklyn Folk Festival for a wondrous-looking bonanza across the weekend of November 10-12. Such luminaries as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Alice Gerrard and Peggy Seeger are set to perform alongside artists currently releasing music on Smithsonian Folkways, among them Blount, Dom Flemons and Charlie Parr. There will also be multiple tributes to the ingenuity of Folkways compiler Harry Smith, including a performance by The Fugs and a Q&A with celebrated author John Szwed.
In addition, Smithsonian Folkways will be reissuing some classic sides on vinyl throughout the year. Charles Bogert’s oft-eulogised totem of field recording, The Sounds of North American Frogs, is to be made available on LP for the first time since 1958, while other titles set for repress include The New Lost City Ramblers with Cousin Emmy, one of the group’s most popular releases, Sarah Webster Fabio’s Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues and Together to the Tune of Coltrane’s “Equinox”, as well as long-players by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson and Lightnin’ Hopkins. All are available to pre-order here.
Watch out for a Songlines feature on Smithsonian Folkways Records later in the year. For more information on the label visit folkways.si.edu
