The Mike Seeger Collection contains extensive audio and video recordings, photographs, and publicity relating to the performances and work of the New Lost City Ramblers. The audio recordings include live shows, raw tracks, master tapes, workshops, LPs, and CDs of the NLCR from music festivals, concerts, home sessions, and studio recordings. These audio recordings portray notable moments for the band, such as their first performance together on WASH-FM radio in 1958 (FT-9794), their European tour with Roscoe Holcomb in 1966 (FT-8816), and their 20th and 40th anniversaries concerts (FT-9773, FT-9812). There are audio recordings documenting the regular NLCR appearances at the Ash Grove Club in Hollywood, California (FT-5622) and various universities across the United States (FT-9714). In addition, there are audio recordings of NLCR performances with other artists like Cousin Emmy (FT-8819) and Eck Robertson (FT-15161). The audio recordings also include abundant raw tracks and master tapes of NLCR albums for Folkways Records. The video recordings portray NLCR workshops and appearances at music festivals (VT-130). The photographs depict Mike Seeger, Tom Paley, John Cohen, and Tracy Schwarz performing on stage and for advertisements. The publicity consists of promotional materials, such as press releases, fliers, prints, and newspaper clippings, related to the New Lost City Ramblers.
The Mike Seeger Collection contains audio recordings, correspondence, and papers pertaining to the administration and management of the NLCR. The audio recordings depict group meetings that address the goals and tensions of the New Lost City Ramblers (FS-9651). The correspondence mainly discusses the planning for tours, performances, and records between the members. These letters also highlight major conflicts with the band, such as Tom Paley continuing to use the NLCR name after his departure and their stance on performing in front of segregated audiences. Other papers include contracts and financial records produced by the band.
While it is not a significant portion of the collection, the Mike Seeger Collection does contain audio recordings and correspondence relating to Tom Paley, John Cohen, and Tracy Schwarz that is separate from their work with the NLCR. Audio recordings include solo endeavors and performances from the members not titled as New Lost City Ramblers acts. The correspondence contains personal letters between band members that address outside projects and family matters, such as John Cohen and Penny Seeger’s wedding invitation.
The Mike Seeger Collection contains correspondence emphasizing the significance of the American folk music revival. There are letters between Mike and folklorists, like Archie Green and Ed Kahn, pertaining to their research on folk artists and key attributes of the movement. There are also letters from Mike with reflective statements about the decreasing interest in the folk revival and the meaning of authenticity in the genre.
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