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Folklorist Alan Lomax Preserves Traditional Music

A new collection of six CD's will be released next month by Rounder Records featuring folk music recordings Lomax recorded in the American South from 1959-60. It is titled "The Alan Lomax Collection: Southern Journey." Lomax spent more than a half century recording the folk music and customs of the world. Lomax and his father, John, were the first folklorists to travel around the American south, recording songs on portable record machines. They both contributed thousands of field recordings to the Library of Congress' Archive of American Folk Song, which John Lomax founded in 1941. Alan Lomax is 82 and is living in Florida. (REBROADCAST from 7/9/90).

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Other segments from the episode on March 7, 1997

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 7, 1997: Interview with Charlie Rich; Interview with Alana Lomax; Review of a concert by David Heflgott; Review of the film "Private Parts."
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20:29

Country Singer Charlie Rich Crosses Genres

Sony Music has re-issued four of Rich's CD's. He died in July of 1995 at the age of 62. Rich was known as the "Silver Fox," because of his premature gray hair. He got his start working with the Sun record label in the late 50s, writing tunes for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. From there he began making records himself. In the 70s he reached his commercial peak with his country hits, "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "Behind Closed Doors." (REBROADCAST FROM 9/3/92).

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Folklorist Alan Lomax Preserves Traditional Music

Lomax, along with his father, used portable recording equipment to capture regional American music -- including the songs of African Americans, prisoners, and the legendary Woody Guthrie. This effort eventually led to the founding of the American Folklife Center.

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Sam Charters is a white northerner who studies the history black southern music. He moved to Louisiana to learn about forgotten jazz players and make field recordings of unknown blues musicians.

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