genius of the week
alan lomax
Alan Lomax (January 31, 1915 - July 19, 2002) was an American folklorist and musicologist specializing in the music of the United States and that of other nations which influenced American music.
Lomax was son of pioneering musicologist and folklorist John Lomax, with whom he started his career.
Lomax earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked on the oral history project for the Library of Congress. To some, he is best known for his cantometrics.
Lomax's recordings are a highly regarded treasure trove of American and international culture. Alan spent a lifetime collecting folk music from around the world, particularly from the American South.
Lomax also recorded substantial interviews with many musicians, including Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Jelly Roll Morton, and Jeannie Robertson.
He received a Grammy Trustees Award for his lifetime achievements in 2003.
