Mike Seeger Research Guide: New Lost City Ramblers

On May 25, 1958, Mike Seeger, Tom Paley, and John Cohen performed as a trio for the first time on the WASH-FM radio station in Washington, D.C. The three men casually knew each other from informal gatherings in New Haven and New York City, yet they managed to execute a successful set on air. Later that year, they officially came together as the New Lost City Ramblers (NLCR) and recorded their first album for Folkways Records with the same name. Inspired by Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers and their collective northern upbringings, the NLCR devoted themselves to preserving old-time music by replicating its musical style. Mike would return to his job as a transcriber for Capitol Transcriptions, John as a photographer, and Tom as a math professor when the band could not consistently book their coffeehouse, club, or festival shows. In 1962, Tom Paley left the NLCR due to creative differences. Tracy Schwarz replaced Tom during the group’s ninth album, Gone to the Country (1963). Bringing enthusiasm for bluegrass music, Schwarz broadened the band beyond their strict old-time portfolio.

The NLCR was an integral part of the American folk music revival. During the early 1960s, Mike, Tom, and John individually participated in the iconic Washington Square Park meet-ups in New York City. Nevertheless, the NLCR stood out among the other folk revivalists and garnered an authentic image. The NLCR fought against the commercialization of the genre and remained dedicated to teaching the tradition, history, and practice of old-time music. Acknowledging their northern roots, the NLCR understood they would never be a genuine example of southern Appalachia. The group went as far as to replicate the sounds of the instruments used in traditional and old-time songs but avoided a fake southern accent. Their performances were equal parts educational as they were entertaining. Amidst jokes, instrument switching, and storytelling, Mike, John, Tom, and Tracy would take turns citing the history and influence of folk songs and singers. Beginning in 1978, the New Lost City Ramblers stopped performing regularly but would continue to have several shows together throughout the coming decades.