Preserving the Lomax Legacy: John Lomax III's Debut Album Celebrates 148 Years of Folk Music Preservation

Two years ago, a profile was written on John Lomax III, the scion of Texas' and America's first family of music folklore, and the father of the late journalist John Nova Lomax. At 78, John had made his stage debut, singing songs unearthed by his grandfather, the original John Lomax, his uncle Alan Lomax, his aunt Bess Lomax Hawes, and his father John Avery Lomax, Jr. He told stories about the songs various Lomaxes had found, in a presentation dubbed "Lomax on Lomax." Now, at the ripe age of 80, John has made his very first record, continuing the Lomax family's 148-year history of gathering folk songs.

Preserving the Timeless Melodies of America's Musical Heritage

Honoring the Lomax Legacy with "American Folk Music"

John Lomax III's debut album, "American Folk Music," is a solid assay of folk songs popular through the mid-20th century, serving as a poignant reminder that many of these timeless melodies are in danger of disappearing altogether. The album's release on September 23rd, the birth date of John Avery Lomax, Sr., born in 1864, underscores the deep-rooted connection between this recording and the Lomax family's enduring legacy of preserving America's musical heritage.

Bringing the Lomax Tradition to Life with Musical Accompaniment

Unlike his previous stage performances, which were entirely acapella, John Lomax III's debut album features musical accompaniment in the forms of Shawn Camp's fiddle, Richard Bennett's acoustic guitar, and Vince Farsetta's mandolin, all brought together by the deft hand of producer Matthew "Buster" Allen, who spent 15 years as Garth Brooks' engineer. This instrumental backing takes Lomax's interpretations of these timeless folk songs to a whole new level, adding depth and richness to the recordings.

Capturing the Essence of Family and Community in "Home on the Range"

One of the standout tracks on the album is Lomax's rendition of "Home on the Range," one of the first songs captured by the eldest John Lomax. Lomax's interpretation features a unique blend of singing and recitation, before closing out with a chorus of singers joining in. This sweet whiff of nostalgia, this idea of family and friends gathering together to sing songs, runs through the entire album, capturing the essence of the Lomax family's enduring legacy.

Expanding the Lomax Legacy with a Digital Bonus Track Offering

While the physical album release features 20 songs, the digital version expands the offering to 27 tracks, further showcasing the depth and breadth of the Lomax family's musical archives. This digital bonus track offering allows listeners to delve even deeper into the rich tapestry of American folk music, preserving and sharing these timeless melodies with a new generation of music enthusiasts.

Releasing Singles to Build Anticipation for the Full Album

In the lead-up to the album's official release in December, John Lomax III has been strategically releasing singles through "The Lomax On Lomax Show," starting with fan favorites like "I Was Born 10,000 Years Ago," "The Cowboy's Dream," "Home on the Range," and "Froggie Went A-Courtin'," on which Lomax sings 19 verses of the 500-year-old song. This gradual rollout has helped build anticipation and excitement for the full album release, further cementing Lomax's status as the torchbearer of the Lomax family's musical legacy.

Claiming the Title of Oldest Debut Album Artist

At 80 years old, John Lomax III is believed to be the oldest American musician to release a debut album, though he acknowledges England's Colin Thackery as the world's oldest, having released his first recording at age 89. Regardless of his age, Lomax's commitment to preserving his family's tradition of folk music preservation is unwavering, and "American Folk Music" stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to this noble cause.

Continuing the Lomax Legacy with the First New Recordings in Over Six Decades

As Lomax himself notes, "This will be the first album of new Lomax recordings since Alan Lomax released Texas Folks Songs 61 years ago." This milestone release not only celebrates the Lomax family's rich musical heritage but also ushers in a new era of folk music preservation, ensuring that these timeless melodies will continue to be shared and enjoyed for generations to come.