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- Alan Lomax dedicated his life to recording and preserving the sounds of American microcultures, recognizing that unique regional music and accents were disappearing in the face of more popular and homogenous culture.
- Alan Lomax not only recorded and archived music, but he also learned to perform the songs he recorded, becoming a promoter who brought the sounds and voices of everyday Americans to a wider audience, spreading the culture and experiences of different communities.
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Preserving Culture Through Sound
Alan Lomax dedicated his life to recording and preserving the sounds of American microcultures. Starting in the 1930s, Lomax recognized that unique regional music and accents were disappearing in the face of more popular and homogenous culture. He traveled across the United States, recording musicians and singers in their homes, churches, and front porches. Lomax's extensive archive, curated by Todd Harvey at the American Folklife Center, contains recordings of famous artists like Muddy Waters and Woody Guthrie, as well as lesser-known individuals who represent the diverse musical traditions of America. Lomax's recordings range from traditional songs to instrumental tunes, showcasing the richness and variety of American music.
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