Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music

Definition

Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music is a compilation of American folk, blues, and country music recorded between the 1920s and 1930s, released in 1952. This influential collection played a crucial role in sparking the American folk revival movement by introducing a new generation to traditional American music forms that were largely overlooked. It showcased diverse musical styles and regional variations, contributing significantly to the rediscovery and preservation of American folk traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anthology consists of three volumes with a total of 84 tracks, including songs from artists like Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie.
2. Harry Smith was not only a compiler but also an experimental filmmaker and scholar, which influenced his approach to curating the music.
3. Smith’s selection included a wide range of musical styles, reflecting both rural and urban influences in American music.
4. The release of the Anthology coincided with a growing interest in folk music among young people during the post-World War II era.
5. Many contemporary folk musicians, including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, cite Harry Smith's Anthology as a major influence on their work.

Review Questions

• How did Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music contribute to the folk revival movement?
  • Harry Smith's Anthology served as a vital link between traditional folk music and the emerging folk revival movement of the 1950s. By compiling recordings that highlighted authentic American musical styles, it inspired a new generation of musicians and listeners to explore their roots. The Anthology's release made these historical recordings accessible to a broader audience, effectively reigniting interest in American folk traditions that had been forgotten or marginalized.
• Evaluate the impact of Harry Smith's curatorial choices on the representation of American music in his Anthology.
  • Harry Smith's curatorial choices were pivotal in shaping how American folk music was perceived and appreciated. By selecting diverse tracks that encompassed various regional styles and genres, he presented a multifaceted view of America's musical heritage. His emphasis on authenticity and cultural significance helped elevate traditional folk music within popular culture, influencing both listeners' tastes and musicians' repertoires during the folk revival.
• Assess the long-term effects of Harry Smith's Anthology on subsequent generations of musicians and the evolution of American music.
  • The long-term effects of Harry Smith's Anthology are evident in how it laid the groundwork for future generations of musicians who sought to reclaim and reinterpret American roots music. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez drew directly from its influences, leading to a broader acceptance and integration of folk elements in popular music. This shift not only transformed the soundscape of the 1960s but also paved the way for genres like Americana, ensuring that traditional American music continues to evolve while remaining relevant to new audiences.

Related terms

Folk Revival: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, focusing on the rediscovery and performance of traditional folk music.

Vanguard Records: A record label that played a significant role in the folk revival movement, releasing many recordings by artists inspired by Smith's Anthology.

American Roots Music: A genre encompassing traditional music forms such as folk, blues, bluegrass, and country that originated in the United States.