In 2007, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture began a multi-year collaboration to explore the rich African American musical and oral heritage in the USA. The African American Legacy Recordings series will include reissues and compilations drawn from the Folkways catalogue, plus previously unreleased archival material and new recordings of contemporary artists. Genres will include blues, jazz, gospel, folk traditions, spoken word, hip hop, and more. The goal is to reach new audiences with historic recordings and capture contemporary traditions for future generations.
Richmond Blues
Cephas & Wiggins
SFW CD 40179 (2008)
In Richmond Blues, guitarist-singer John Cephas and his harmonica-player partner Phil Wiggins personify the read more...
Visit Smithsonian Global Sound to view two videos of Cephas & Wiggins:
Watch them discuss the Piedmont Blues style in the second video here and watch them perform in the 2007 Smithsonian Folklife festival Ralph Rinzler Memorial Concert here.
On the Right Road Now
The Paschall Brothers
SFW CD 40176 (2007)
Silken voices, intricate harmonies, and divinely inspired passion mark the quartet singing of the Paschall Brothers read more...
On My Journey: Paul Robeson's Independent Recordings
Paul Robeson
SFW CD 40178 (2007)
An American giant of 20th-century music, Paul Robeson stood tall against racism, McCarthyism, and blacklisting read more...