Sound Sessions from Smithsonian Folkways
A radio series from Smithsonian Folkways
Introduction
Sound Sessions from Smithsonian Folkways is an audio journey into the rich, eclectic, and sometimes eccentric Smithsonian Folkways archive where host Sam Litzinger and archivist Jeff Place comb the stacks for music and stories about this historic record label. The program features newly digitized audio, including rare outtakes, interviews, and never-before-heard recordings. Episodes cover American folk icons, emerging artists continuing and transforming musical traditions around the world, and the sounds of our everyday lives, from the natural environment to the office desk. Interviews with Smithsonian Folkways staff, and artists bring a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective to a record label that preserves a national musical treasure and continues to document the smaller voices of the world and connect people through music.
New episodes air monthly on WAMU 88.5 and Bluegrass Country in Washington, D.C. See the links to the left for date and times. Or download the MP3s below.
Pete Seeger
(airing on WAMU beginning March 2 at 6pmEST)
Pete Seeger is the dean of 20th Century folk singers. He has been performing and lending his energies to causes he believes in for more than 60 years. Stories from Jeff Place and newly digitized interviews with Pete and musicians who know him lend a rich perspective to his life and music.
Listen: MP3
Find more Pete Seeger music here.
Paul Robeson
(airing on WAMU beginning February 24 at 6pmEST)
An American giant of 20th-century music, Paul Robeson stood tall against racism, McCarthyism, and blacklisting to proclaim the majesty of African-American culture. Jeff Place and Dr. Bob Cataliotti discuss his life and work.
Listen: MP3
Find more Paul Robeson music here.
Dock Boggs
(airing on WAMU beginning January 6 at 6pmEST)
Jeff Place shares music and interviews with the Virginian miner who revolutionized the banjo and influenced modern muscians from Bob Dylan to Jeff Tweedy.
Listen: MP3
Find more Dock Boggs music here.
Bill Monroe
(airing on WAMU beginning December 16 at 6pmEST)
Known as "The Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe shaped this American musical form. Hear interviews and rare live recordings from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Listen: MP3
Find more Bill Monroe music here.
Woody Guthrie
(airing on WAMU beginning November 25 at 6pmEST)
The life and music of American folk icon Woody Guthrie. Rare outtakes and stories from Smithsonian Folkways archivist Jeff Place give new meaning to Guthrie's music and his relationship with Folkways Records.
Listen: MP3
Find more Woody Guthrie music here.
Doc Watson
(airing on WAMU beginning October 27 at 6pmEST)
The life and music of the Doc Watson, American roots music legend. Smithsonian Folkways archivist Jeff Place shares stories and plays songs and interviews to demonstrate the Doc Watson "style."
Listen: MP3
Find more Doc Watson music here.
This project was made possible with the generous support of the Smithsonian Women's Committee.
