Anyone who knows me well knows I love music, and the history of music. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the heck out of a series of free podcasts (ahem–netcasts) from Smithsonian Folkways and CKUA Radio. It’s a 24-episode series that delves into the catalogue of Folkways Records, a recording company started by Moe Asch in New York. Folkways was right in the thick of the folk music scene of the 50’s and early 60’s, and it seems like everyone passed through their doors and laid down a track: Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and more. Harry Smith released “The Anthology of American Folk Music,” his iconic collection of “borrowed” Library of Congress folk recordings (that’s another famous story) on Folkways in 1952.
But Moe Asch and Folkways were about much more than folk music–it was his mission to collect and distribute all kinds of “people’s music.” Folkways had great recordings of blues, jazz, early country and bluegrass, and children’s music, as well as collections of socially important music like labor songs and civil rights songs. When Moe Asch passed away, the entire Folkways library was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. They produced this great series.
These podcasts touches on all of the Folkways music and history; some episodes highlight one particularly important artist. Pete Seeger, for example, recorded many songs on the Folkways label, and one episode is devoted entirely to him and his songs. It’s full of interviews with him, with his friends and family, and, of course, his music. Another episode focuses on children’s music; some of it is fascinating stuff.
I subscribed to this free series through iTunes, and play it at work or in the kitchen, but no iPod or MP3 player is required. You just need a program on your ‘puter that plays MP3s and can handle podcasts. If you love music as much as I do, it’s worth your time to load up and subscribe.
