This collection, which dates from 1926-1986, documents the output of Moses Asch through the various record labels he founded and co-founded, and includes some of his personal papers. The Asch collection includes published recordings, master tapes, outtakes, business records, correspondence, photographs, and film.
Scope and Contents:
The Moses and Frances Asch Collection measures 841 cubic feet and dates from 1926-1987, with some contemporary, relevant correspondence, clippings, and ephemera added after 1987.
Most of the collection consists of audio recordings (commercial 78 rpm and long-playing records, open reel tapes, acetate discs, and test pressings), correspondence with recording artists and producers, artwork, photographs, ephemera, clippings, record production materials, writings, and business papers relating to Folkways Records. Materials relating to Folkways Records can be found primarily in the Correspondence, Folkways Production, Business Records, Photographs, Artwork, Sound Recordings, and Film series.
The collection also contains some biographical materials and personal correspondence, including materials related to Asch's first business, Radio Laboratories, located in the Biographical Materials series. Correspondence, ephemera, photographs, record production materials, business papers, and recordings relating to Asch's record labels before Folkways Records (Asch Recordings, Disc Company of America, Cub Records) are located in the Early Label Materials series as well as the Audio Recordings and Photographs series.
Arrangement note:
The collection is arranged in 10 series:
Series 1: Correspondence, 1942-1987
Series 2: Folkways Production, 1946-1987
Series 3: Business Records, 1940-1987
Series 4: Woody Guthrie papers, 1927-1985
Series 5: Early Label Materials, 1940-1949
Series 6: Biographical Materials, 1926-1987
Series 7: Photographs
Series 8: Artwork
Series 9: Audio Recordings
Series 10: Film
At this time, the collection is partially processed. Please contact rinzlerarchives@si.edu for more information.
Biographical/Historical note:
The son of Yiddish writer Sholem Asch, Moses Asch was born in Poland in 1905. His childhood was spent in Poland, France, Germany, and New York. While young, Asch developed an interest in radio electronics, which ultimately lead him to his life's work, recording the music and sounds of the world. He established several record labels in succession, sometimes partnering with other record companies. Two of his fist record companies, Asch Recordings and DISC Co. of America, went bankrupt. They were followed by his best-known label, Folkways Records, which was founded in 1948 with Marian Distler (1919-1964). He was still working on Folkways recordings when he died in 1986.
Folkways Records sought to document the entire world of sound. The 2,168 titles Asch released on Folkways include traditional and contemporary music from around the world, spoken word in many languages, and documentary recordings of individuals, communities, and current events. Asch's business practices revolved around the commitment to keep every recording issued by Folkways in print, despite low sales. Asch stayed afloat by cutting costs where he could (such as color printing) and offering a high-quality product, meticulously recorded and accompanied by extensive liner notes. In doing this, he could charge a slightly higher price than other commercial outfits. Despite a tenuous relationship with financial solvency, Folkways grew to be not only one of the most important independent record companies in the United States in the 20th century, but also one of the largest and most influential record companies in the world.
Moses Asch's record labels featured famous and lesser known American writers, poets, documentarians, ethnographers, and grass roots musicians on commercial recordings. American folk icon Woody Guthrie recorded on the Asch, Disc, and Folkways labels, and the Asch Collection includes some of his correspondence, lyrics, drawings, and writings. The collection also includes correspondence with other notable musicians and artists such as John Cage, Langston Hughes, Margaret Walker, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger, Ewan MacColl, Alan Lomax, Henry Cowell, and Kenneth Patchen. Also in the collection are ethnographic field notes and photographs by as well as correspondence with Béla Barók, Sidney Robertson Cowell, Harold Courlander, Helen Creighton, Laura Boulton, and Samuel Charters. Asch hired various prominent artists and graphic designers including David Stone Martin, Ben Shahn, John Carlis, and Ronald Clyne to create album cover art for his recordings. Much of the original art and designs for these covers can be found in the Asch Collection.
Asch's output of recordings on various labels, including published recordings, open reel master tapes, outtakes, and acetate disks, in addition to his business papers, correspondence, photographs, and other files were acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1987. The collection came to the Smithsonian with the understanding that all 2168 titles under the Folkways label would be kept available in perpetuity.
Shared Stewardship of Collections:
The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage acknowledges and respects the right of artists, performers, Folklife Festival participants, community-based scholars, and knowledge-keepers to collaboratively steward representations of themselves and their intangible cultural heritage in media produced, curated, and distributed by the Center. Making this collection accessible to the public is an ongoing process grounded in the Center's commitment to connecting living people and cultures to the materials this collection represents. To view the Center's full shared stewardship policy, which defines our protocols for addressing collections-related inquiries and concerns, please visit https://folklife.si.edu/archives#shared-stewardship.
Provenance:
Ralph Rinzler arranged the Smithsonian's acquisition of the Moses and Frances Asch Collection in 1987, beginning with Asch before his death in 1986 and continuing with extensive discussions between Rinzler and the Asch family. Since its acquisition, archivist Jeff Place and others have added contemporary, relevant correspondence with Folkways artists and related individuals.
Restrictions:
Access to the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections is by appointment only. Visit our website for more information on scheduling a visit or making a digitization request. Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records or audiovisual recordings in this collection must use access copies.
Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Play your instruments and make a pretty sound -- Put your instruments away -- Follow the leader -- Let's listen to the band -- This is the way to lead the band -- Harmonica happiness -- No more pie -- You'll sing a song and I'll sing a song -- Stop and go.
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-7RR-4247
Participant or Performer Note:
Ella Jenkins, vocals, harmonica ; in part with children's rhythm band, and music appreciation demonstration feat. Franz Jackson, clarinet, and his Original Jass All-Stars.
General:
CDR copy
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
201 You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song (Review).
202 Dulce Dulce.
203 May-Ree Mack (Review).
204 Maori Indian Battle Chant.
205 Did You Feed My Cow? (Review).
206 I Saw.
207 Sitting in the Sand.
208 Guide Me.
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-5RR-5573
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Illinois, United States, July 19, 1973.
General:
CDR copy- Disc 387
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Interview for Goldsmith's biography of Moses Asch. "Making People's Music"
Local Numbers:
PG-CT-013
General:
CDR copy
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. rr.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. Listening only. No Duplication Allowed.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Imterviews made during research phase of Moses Asch biography, Making People's Music
Local Numbers:
PG-CT-033
General:
CDR copy
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. rr.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Tah-boo -- Zeembah -- Moon don't go -- Moon don't go (with instrumentals) -- Toom-bah-ee-lero -- Toom-bah--ee-lero (with instrumentals) -- A chant from West Africa -- A love chant from North Africa -- An American chain gang chant -- An Arabic chant that means "Welcome".
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-LP-0363
Folkways.7308
Publication, Distribution, Etc. (Imprint):
New York Folkways
General:
Program notes by the composer and texts ([4] p.) inserted in container.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only, see 45030..
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
You'll sing a song and I'll sing a song (4:20) -- Shabot Shalom (0:46) -- Cadima (1:37) -- This train (3:02) -- Did you feed my cow? (3:12) --Miss Mary Mack (1:56) -- May-ree Mack (2:11) -- You'll sing a song and I'll sing a song (review) (2:41) -- Dulce dulce (1:16) -- May-ree Mack (review) (2:18) -- Maori Indian battle chant (0:31) -- Did you feed my cow? (review) (2:33) -- I saw (2:29) -- Sifting in the sand (1:10) -- Guide me (3:02).
Track Information:
101 You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song.
102 Shabot Shalom.
103 Cadima.
104 This Train.
105 Did You Feed My Cow?
106 Miss Mary Mack.
107 May-Ree Mack.
201 You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song (Review).
202 Dulce Dulce.
203 May-Ree Mack (Review).
204 Maori Indian Battle Chant.
206 I Saw.
207 Sifting in the Sand.
208 Guide Me.
205 Did You Feed My Cow? (Review).
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-10RR-0335
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Illinois, United States 30, 1970.
General:
Folkways 45010
Folkways 7664
CDR copy
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Pretty trees around the world--Cedar trees--Cuckoo bird
Track Information:
101 Pretty Trees Around the World.
103 Cedar Trees.
105 The Cuckoo Bird.
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-7RR-1157
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Illinois, United States, 1963.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
On a holiday., Carry me ackee., Tee-kah-nees., You look so sweet., This train., Freight train blues., Go, Aquaneta, go., Lord, Lord, Lord., All night, all day., Don't you do me wrong., Blue walking., I like animals.
Track Information:
101 On a Holiday / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
102 Carry Me Ackee / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
103 Tee-Kan-Yas / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
104 You Look So Sweet / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
105 This Train / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
106 Freight Train Blues / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
107 Go Aquaneta, Go / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
201 Lord, Lord, Lord / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
202 All Night, All Day / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
203 Don't You Do Me Wrong / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
204 Blue Walking / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
205 I Like Animals / Music Workshop, Ella Jenkins.
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-7RR-1623
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Illinois, United States, 1970.
General:
Folkways 7656
CDR copy- Disc 387
Program notes, discography, and texts (13 p. : ports.) inserted in container. Credits: Produced by Bernadelle Richter. Performer(s): Featuring Ella Jenkins, vocals. Production notes: Recorded in 1969, at a summer music workshop at St. Paul's Church, Chicago, Ill.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
The muffin man -- Hey diddle diddle -- Diddle diddle dumpling -- A dillar a dollar -- The muffin man (la la) -- Humpty Dumpty -- Little Miss Muffet -- Little Bo Peep -- Little Jack Horner -- Three little kittens -- This little piggy went to market -- Wee Willie Winkie -- The mulberry bush -- Hickory dickory dock -- Pussy cat, pussy cat -- Georgie Porgie -- Pease porridge hot -- Patty cake -- Old Mother Hubbard -- Jack Sprat -- See saw, Margery daw -- Mary Mary -- Sing a song of six pense -- The muffin man.
Track Information:
101 The Muffin Man (Sung).
102 Hey Diddle Diddle.
103 Diddle Diddle Dumpling.
104 A Diller a Dollar.
105 The Muffin Man (la la ).
106 Humpty Dumpty.
107 Little Miss Muffet.
108 Little Bo Peep.
109 Little Jack Horner.
110 Three Little Kittens.
111 This Little Piggy Went to Market.
112 Wee Willie Winkle.
201 Mulberry Bush, The (Sung).
202 Hickory Dickory Dock.
203 Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat.
204 Georgie Porgie.
205 Pease Porridge Hot.
206 Patty Cake.
207 Old Mother Hubbard.
208 Jack Sprat.
209 See Saw, Margery Daw.
210 Mary Mary.
211 Sing a Song of Six Pence.
212 The Muffin Man.
Local Numbers:
FW-ASCH-LP-07660
Folkways.7660
Publication, Distribution, Etc. (Imprint):
New York Folkways 1974
General:
Descriptive notes and text of the recording ([6] p.) inserted.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Jenkins, Ella - Interviews to add to SF45004 Ella Jenkins (born August 6, 1924) is an American folk singer. Dubbed "The First Lady of the Children's Folk Song" by the Wisconsin State Journal, Jenkins has been a leading performer of children's music for fifty years. These interviews center on the subject of dance, pertaining to youth education, ballet, and dance therapy.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
1. A Tribute to Moses Asch, 10 October 1987: with Pete Seeger, Ella Jenkins, Ruth Rubin, Sam Gesser, Oscar Brand, Tiny Robinson, Alan Lomax, Tony Schwartz, Suni Paz, part 1 (FP-1988-CT-0651) .
Track Information:
103 Program / Ella Jenkins.
102 Study War No More (Down by the Riverside) / Brownie McGhee, Pete Seeger.
101 Program / Moses Asch.
104 Program / Ruth Rubin.
105 Program / Sam Gesser.
106 Program / Oscar Brand.
106 This Land is Ours / Oscar Brand.
107 Program / Tiny Robinson.
108 Program / Alan Lomax.
109 Program / Jimmy Collier.
110 Program / Suni Paz.
111 Program / Tony Schwartz.
Local Numbers:
FP-1988-CT-0651
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: New York, United States, October 10, 1987.
General:
tape 1
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
