In 1966, at 15, Janis Ian (a.k.a. "Blind Girl Grunt") penned "Society's Child," a daring look at interracial romance, which was turned down by 22 record companies before Folkways/ Verve agreed to release it.
RECORD, PRESERVE, AND DISSEMINATE A PIECE OF THE WORLD'S SOUND HERITAGE.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is a nonprofit record label dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among people through the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of sound. We believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
We are based in the national museum, but rely on revenues, grants, private donations, and good will to survive and to carry out our mission.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Buy our recordings. Revenues from recordings that are sold through our website and retail distributors support our ongoing work.
Offer financial support. Private donations allow us to take on projects in service of our mission that are otherwise not possible through the revenues they generate. We are a federally nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. There are many ways of giving:
Individual Support
Endowed Support
Donate Stock
Leave a Sound Legacy
Foundation/Corporate Support
If you are already a donor to the Smithsonian Institution, please designate your gift to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Apply for internships or volunteer. Internships and volunteer work offer both an educational experience in a lively environment for the intern or volunteer and enhance our ability to carry out our mission. Visit here for further information.