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.
Deep dives
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.
From Archivist to Musician and Promoter
Alan Lomax not only recorded and archived music, but he was also a musician himself. He learned to perform the songs he recorded and became a promoter, organizing concerts and hosting radio broadcasts. Through his radio shows and compilations, Lomax brought the sounds and voices of everyday Americans to a wider audience, spreading the culture and experiences of different communities. Lomax's contributions were also recognized on a global scale. He played a role in creating the Voyager Golden Record, which included a diverse range of music from around the world.
Challenges and Legacy
Alan Lomax faced challenges during his career, including investigations by the FBI, being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, and dealing with political opposition. Despite these obstacles, Lomax continued his work, preserving the voices and songs of ordinary people. His recordings show the power of music in expressing identity, passing down stories, and connecting communities. Lomax's philosophy emphasized the value of sound and highlighted the importance of preserving and appreciating the cultural diversity found in music. His legacy lives on in the thousands of recordings he made, providing a glimpse into the richness and variety of human expression.
Alan Lomax believed that the culture of poor Americans was important and worthy of saving. So he spent decades traveling the American South and recording obscure musicians on their front porches, in churches, even in prisons. Today, he's considered an American icon, but the road to becoming a legend wasn't an easy one. Featuring Southern Historical Collection archivist Chaitra Powell, American Folklife Center curator Todd Harvey, and filmmaker Rogier Kappers.