The Lomax Archive Record Label Debuts with Four, Newly Remastered Recordings
The Lomax Archive, a new archival-focused record label, has debuted with four releases available for immediate streaming, beginning a journey to release hundreds of historic recordings from John A. Lomax and his son Alan Lomax.
These pioneers of cultural equity documented thousands of songs and spoken testimony from the United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe and Africa, bringing recognition to artists whose profound and beautiful songs laid the foundation for American popular music in the 20th century through today.
This powerful music has ushered in movements for social change and continues to inspire generations as it is sampled and remixed by the most popular artists of all time.
“These recordings are the soundtrack of our history and hold the key to who we are in this very moment,” says Anna Lomax Wood, granddaughter of John A. Lomax and daughter of Alan Lomax. “My father Alan — who would have turned 110 this year — put singers front and center, supporting them to reach larger audiences, and to make their families and communities proud. Our new label honors this critically important work to document and share the roots of American music. We are collaborating with the descendants of these incredible musicians, and work to inspire current and future generations to explore this essential part of American cultural heritage that would have otherwise been lost or forgotten.”
Over a century ago, John A. Lomax famously traversed the United States with early recording equipment and a vision to preserve the rich tapestry of American musical culture.
His son, Alan Lomax, built upon his father’s spirit of exploration of the American musical panorama utilizing the rapidly developing recording technology to document thousands of sound projects in the United States and the Caribbean, and beyond to Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, Italy, Morrocco, and Russia (former USSR). His recordings, song books, and concerts sparked international recognition of homegrown American music.
The Lomax Archive label is truly an extension of Alan’s ultimate mission to advocate for the right of every culture to express and amplify its artistic heritage.
The new label features extensively remastered tracks from the vast archives of John A. and Alan Lomax. It is driven by the idea of giving access and exaltation to some of the most amazing music ever to be recorded, including folk music, sacred and spiritual music, blues, jazz, R&B, and contributions from present day artists.
The releases will feature highlights, deep cuts, spoken word, and never-before-released recordings, performed by some of the most singers and musicians of the 20th century, as well as equally brilliant unknowns, contemporary guest artists, and young interpreters.
Through digital compilations, playlists, guest artists, and physical releases on CD and vinyl, the label aims to elevate the sounds and voices from the original crossroads of recorded music. Each release is curated with intentionality, to draw attention to deep currents in American life and recontextualize these important works for listeners.
In addition to music, many releases will include spoken word and interviews from the original musicians, and young musicians who are the artists’ descendants or rooted in their communities today.
The label launches with four compilations spotlighting sonic journeys through Georgia Sea Islands and Haiti, sacred music, and blues with Muddy Waters, Fred McDowell, Rosalie Hill, Augusta Crawford, Memphis Slim, William “Big Bill” Broonzy, John Lee Curtin, and “Sonny Boy” Williamson.
— Georgia Sea Island Singers (featuring Bessie Jones & John Davis), Before This Time Another Year (1960–1963) [LMX001] — Gospel treasures from one of the first supergroups of the genre
— Blues Unbound: Classics from the Lomax Archive [LMX002] — Survey of seldom-heard songs from the great Blues master Fred McDowell
— Sacred Songs Vol. 1 (1939–1978): The Deepest Sorrow [LMX003] — Spiritual music highlights filled with unbridled emotion
— Haiti (1936–937) Vol. 1: Treasures from the Lomax Archive [LMX004] — Highlights from the 2011 GRAMMY nominated box set with rare recordings from Haiti by Alan Lomax
Each of the compilations can be heard on major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon, and Qobuz, among others. LISTEN HERE
These initial releases will be followed by new playlists each month, and digital compilations, albums and box sets. Dozens of releases will be rolled out through 2025 and going forward — including compilations by single artists, thematic and geographic tie–ins, treasured songs, and rare and never-before-heard recordings.
The label is also inviting special guests to curate playlists of music that have inspired them.
🎵 Subscribe to Platform & Stream for your daily rundown of the most important & interesting music streaming & music tech news.
✉️ Send story ideas & feedback to: jeff@platformandstream.com
