Collection Folkways Records was founded in 1948. 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. Folkways grew to be one of the largest and most influential record companies in the world. Folkways Records and the label's business papers and files were acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1987.
Every recording is kept in print.
Photo by Diana Davies, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. From 1952 to 1966 Cook recorded, manufactured, and distributed some of the highest quality audio recordings in the world. The 140 titles on Cook Records include European and American concert music, U.S. and Caribbean popular and traditional music, as well as mechanical and natural sounds. Emory and Martha Cook donated their record company, master tapes, patents, and papers to the Smithsonian Institution in 1990. Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections.