Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document “people s music ” spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound.

Recorded in 1973 this album showcases a variety of traditional folksongs of the Midwest performed by Loman D. Cansler. Cansler brings together a repertoire of folk songs that reflect “the rural agrarian culture of our own immediate past”. With an introduction by Jack Ralston former Director of the Institute for Studies in American Music and anecdotes by Cansler himself concerning each song this collection delves into the history of Midwestern folksong (see liner notes.)