Alan Lomax, Assistant in Charge: The Library of Congress Letters, 1935-1945 (American Made Music Series)

Alan Lomax (1915-2002) began working for the Archive of American Folk Song at the Library of Congress in 1936, first as a special and temporary assistant, then as the permanent Assistant in Charge, starting in June 1937, until he left in late 1942. He recorded such important musicians as Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Aunt Molly Jackson, and Jelly Roll Morton. A reading and examination of his letters from 1935 to 1945 reveal someone who led an extremely complex, fascinating, and creative life, mostly as a public employee. While Lomax is noted for his field recordings, these collected letters, many signed "Alan Lomax, Assistant in Charge," are a trove of information until now available only at the Library of Congress. They make it clear that Lomax was very interested in the commercial hillbilly, race, and even popular recordings of the 1920s and after. These letters serve as a way of understanding Lomax's public and private life during some of his most productive and significant years. Lomax was one of the most stimulating and influential cultural workers of the twentieth century. Here he speaks for himself through his voluminous correspondence. While Lomax is noted for his field recordings, these collected letters, many signed "Alan Lomax, Assistant in Charge:' are a trove of information until now available only at the Library of Congress. In addition, editor Ronald D. Cohen consulted a number of other manuscript collections to create the widest possible selection. These letters make it clear that Lomax was very interested in the commercial hillbilly, race, and even popular recordings of the 1920's and after. The letters in Alan Lomax, Assistant in Charge serve as a way of understanding Lomax's public and private life during these productive and significant years. Lomax was one of the most stimulating and influential cultural workers of the twentieth century. Here he speaks for himself through his voluminous correspondence--From publisher description Contents......Page 8 Introduction......Page 12 1935......Page 20 1936......Page 31 1937......Page 37 1938......Page 75 1939......Page 132 1940......Page 175 1941......Page 216 1942......Page 287 1943......Page 370 1945......Page 389 Notes......Page 392 A......Page 416 B......Page 417 C......Page 418 D......Page 419 F......Page 420 H......Page 421 J......Page 422 L......Page 423 M......Page 424 N......Page 425 P......Page 426 S......Page 427 V......Page 429 W......Page 430 Z......Page 431 Edited By Ronald D. Cohen. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.