Originally assembled in 1953 from his vast collection of 78s, collector, artist, and filmmaker Harry Smith published these obscure tracks of "talismanic aura" through the Folkways record label which soon became potent inspiration for the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and countless others. Broken into three categories by Smith (Ballads, Social Music, and Songs) this is without a doubt the genesis of American blues, folk, and country music. Among the many artists featured in the collection are Blind Lemon Jefferson, Mississippi John Hurt, Dick Justice, and the more obscure Clarence Ashley, Bascom Lamar Lunsford, and Buell Kazee. With its lavish booklet and elegant package design, and contributions from the likes of Greil Marcus, Elvis Costello, and Allan Ginsberg, this box set is compulsory reading and listening for anyone who considers themselves a fan of American song.
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