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Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution. We are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples 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. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials we seek to strengthen people's engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch, who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people's music," spoken word, instruction, and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987, and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity, education, increased understanding, and lively engagement with the world of sound. Smithsonian Folkways has expanded on Asch's legacy, adding several other record labels to the collections and releasing over 300 new recordings that document and celebrate the sounds of the world around us.

A few recordings from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Click here for more.

Music of Central Asia vol. 4: Bardic Divas: Women's Voices in Central Asia
Music of Central Asia vol. 4: Bardic Divas: Women's Voices in Central Asia
Various Artists
SFW40523 (2007)
Classic Old-Time Music from Smithsonian Folkways
Classic Old-Time Music from Smithsonian Folkways
Various Artists
SFW40093 (2003)
¡Ayombe! The Heart of Colombia's Música Vallenata
¡Ayombe! The Heart of Colombia's Música Vallenata
Various Artists
SFW40546 (2008)
Music of Indonesia, Vol. 7: Music from the Forests of Riau and Mentawai
Music of Indonesia, Vol. 7: Music from the Forests of Riau and Mentawai
Various Artists
SFW40423 (1995)
Cape Breton Fiddle and Piano Music
The Beaton Family of Mabou
Various Artists
SFW40507 (2004)
Sakura: A Musical Celebration of the Cherry Blossoms
Sakura: A Musical Celebration of the Cherry Blossoms
Various Artists
SFW40509 (2003)
Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou
Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou
Various Artists
SFW40464 (1990)
A Fish That's a Song
A Fish That's a Song
Various Artists
SFW45037 (1990)