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Worlds of Sound: The Ballad of Folkways Documentary [Trailer from Smithsonian Channel]

4,733 views · Published 1 October 2009 · 2:45 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: Smithsonian Folkways · 2009 · Music

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Trailer for "Worlds of Sound: The Ballad of Folkways," a 60-minute documentary about the 60-year history of the little record label that could. 

Narrated by Pete Seeger and featuring interviews with dozens of artists and producers, this documentary is a companion to the 2008 book "Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways," written by Richard Carlin: https://folkways.si.edu/richard-carlin/worlds-of-sound-the-story-of-smithsonian-folkways/book/smithsonian

From Smithsonian Channel:
Folkways Records founder Moses Asch turned the music business model on its head. He avoided hit makers and catered to unknown musicians. He dug into vanishing traditions around the world to harness music and sounds that inspire people. Artists like Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly can still be heard on this original indie label with the mission of gathering sound and spreading it to the people.

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