Folkways Records

Definition

Folkways Records is a record label founded by Moses Asch in 1948 that specializes in documenting and preserving traditional and folk music from around the world. This label became a significant platform during the American Folk Revival Movement, capturing the diverse sounds of folk music and promoting cultural heritage through recordings that represented various communities and their stories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Folkways Records released over 2,000 recordings that include a wide variety of music genres, from American folk to global traditions.
2. The label is known for its commitment to authenticity, often featuring field recordings that capture musicians in their natural settings rather than studio productions.
3. Folkways Records aimed to document not just music, but also the cultural practices and stories behind the songs, making it a vital resource for ethnomusicology.
4. In 1986, Folkways Records was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring its continued legacy in preserving cultural heritage through music.
5. The label played a crucial role in introducing artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to wider audiences, influencing countless musicians in the folk genre.

Review Questions

• How did Folkways Records contribute to the preservation of traditional music during the American Folk Revival?
  • Folkways Records played a vital role in preserving traditional music by documenting diverse musical styles from various cultures and communities. Founded by Moses Asch, the label focused on authentic field recordings that captured artists in their natural environments. This commitment to authenticity allowed listeners to connect with the cultural significance of the music, making it an important resource during the American Folk Revival.
• Discuss the significance of Moses Asch's vision for Folkways Records in shaping the landscape of folk music.
  • Moses Asch envisioned Folkways Records as a platform dedicated to documenting and promoting folk music from around the world. His belief in making these recordings accessible to everyone allowed for a greater appreciation of diverse musical traditions. This vision not only shaped the landscape of folk music but also influenced other record labels and musicians to prioritize cultural heritage and authenticity in their work.
• Evaluate the impact of Folkways Records on contemporary understandings of global musical traditions and their relevance today.
  • Folkways Records has had a lasting impact on contemporary understandings of global musical traditions by providing invaluable documentation of various cultures' musical practices. The label's emphasis on authenticity and storytelling continues to resonate today, as it encourages new generations of musicians and scholars to appreciate and preserve cultural heritage. Additionally, with its integration into the Smithsonian Institution, Folkways serves as an educational resource that highlights the importance of diversity in music and fosters appreciation for global artistic expressions.

Related terms

Moses Asch: The founder of Folkways Records, Asch was a pioneering figure in the preservation of folk music and committed to making recordings accessible to the public.

American Folk Revival: A cultural movement during the 1950s and 1960s that saw a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, often linked to social and political movements.

Anthology of American Folk Music: A collection of folk songs compiled by Harry Smith in 1952, which greatly influenced the American Folk Revival by introducing listeners to traditional American music.