May 2023 marked the 75-year anniversary of Folkway Records, delivering classic American folk albums since its founding in New York City by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948.
From the talents of Woody Guthrie to the jazz swing of Mary Lou Williams, the label has pioneered some of the industry’s top artists in their respective genres.
Releasing acclaimed albums from Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, Kronos Quartet, and many more, the past 75 years and present-day continue to undoubtedly shine a light on the label’s success.
On July 6, 2023, Smithsonian Folkways will present “Folkways at 75,” a program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.
Featuring performances from Jake Blount and No-No Boy, members of the newest wave of folk music on the label, and a screening of Early Abstractions, a series of short films by Harry Smith, “Folkways at 75” expects to be the perfect celebration for Folkway Records.
In addition to the July celebration, November 10-12, 2023 will see the label partner up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival, including performers, tributes to label members, workshops, etc. For details on this event, visit here.
Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to reissue and re-press many classic albums the record label has brought out over the years. The Sounds of North American Frogs by Charles Bogert will hit an LP for the first time since 1958, and re-presses of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many others will be available for pre-order as well.
A new program called Friends of Folkways will give supporters the chance to stream a collection of Folkway Records classics for a minimum monthly donation of $5. Additional details surrounding the donation program will also be announced soon.
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