Smithsonian Folkways // American Folk Selections

A truly overwhelming archive of audio recordings and educational materials of American folk music history exists within the domain of Smithsonian Folkways, the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution. The collection builds upon a gift from the Folkways Records label proprietor to the Smithsonian Institute of over 2,000 recordings from 1949-1987 of jazz, blues, Old Time, bluegrass, folk, and international music. The Smithsonian Folkways vault is recognized as one of the most rich cultural and historical art preservation projects in America.  

We harvested a playlist of selected Old-Time and folk works grown from the rich American soil deep within the endless abyss of "people's music" at Smithsonian Folkways. 

Logan English- In the Jailhouse Now
The Bluegrass Buddies- Walkin' in My Sleep
Mike Seeger- Rollin' On
Richard Fontenot- Allons à Lafayette
Old Grey Goose- Popcorn Schottische
The Georgia Pals- When I Reach That City
Tracy Schwarz- Sideline Blues
Kevin Roth- South Wind
David and Billie Ray Johnson- Rose Conley (Down in the Willow Garden)
Tom Morgan- Old Country Church
Roger Sprung- Whistling Rufus
Roger Sprung- Black Mt. Rag
Clark Jones- Rye Whiskey
Jean Richie and Doc Watson- Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Elizabeth Cotten- When I Get Home
The New Lost City Ramblers- The Old Man at the Mill
Barbara Dane- Lonesome Jailhouse Blues
Cousin Emmy- Dance All Night With a Bottle In Your Hand
Joe Glazer- Sixteen Tons
Lis Getz- Turn, Turn, Turn
Willie Sordill- Jake's Jump
Gary Green- The Cowboy
Ken Perlman- Swingin' on a Gate
N. Roy Clifton- Birdie in the Cage
Old Reliable String Band- East Tennessee Blues
Bud Reed- Peach Picking Time in Georgia
David Johnson- Mountain Dew

Learn more about Smithsonian Folkways, explore the entire catalog, and join the Folkways membership for access to the entire library RIGHT HERE.