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Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded the World

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Alan Lomax Playing A Fiddle With Lead Belly Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded The World

Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded the World

by Jay Althouse

4.8 out of 5

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Alan Lomax was an American folklorist, ethnomusicologist, and archivist who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of folk music. He recorded thousands of songs and stories from traditional musicians around the world, and his work has been instrumental in preserving and promoting folk music traditions.

Lomax was born in Austin, Texas, in 1915. His father, John Avery Lomax, was a folklorist and collector of American folk songs. Lomax's mother, Ruby Terrill Lomax, was a musician and singer. Lomax grew up in a musical household, and he began playing the guitar and singing at an early age.

In the 1930s, Lomax began working with his father on collecting folk songs. In 1938, the Lomaxes recorded Lead Belly, a legendary blues musician, and their recordings helped to popularize Lead Belly's music around the world.

In 1942, Lomax was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Army during World War II, and he used his time in the service to record folk songs from soldiers around the world.

After the war, Lomax continued to work as a folklorist. He traveled to over 100 countries, and he recorded thousands of songs and stories from traditional musicians.

In 1954, Lomax joined the staff of the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center. He worked at the Library of Congress for over 30 years, and he helped to build the library's collection of folk music recordings.

Lomax's work has been instrumental in preserving and promoting folk music traditions around the world. His recordings have been used by scholars, musicians, and filmmakers to learn about and appreciate folk music. Lomax's work has also helped to inspire a new generation of folk musicians.

Lomax died in New York City in 2002. He was 87 years old.

Lomax's Field Recordings

Lomax's field recordings are a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and filmmakers. They provide a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions of traditional musicians from around the world.

Lomax's recordings are available through the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center. The center has over 5,000 hours of Lomax's recordings in its collection.

Lomax's Legacy

Lomax's legacy is immense. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of folk music. His recordings have helped to preserve and promote folk music traditions around the world, and his work has inspired a new generation of folk musicians.

Lomax's work is a testament to the power of music to connect people across cultures. His recordings have brought the music of traditional musicians from around the world to a global audience, and they continue to inspire and educate people today.

Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded the World

by Jay Althouse

4.8 out of 5