John Lomax

American folklorist

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June 17, 2026

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John Lomax (1867–1948) was an American folklorist, alongside his son Alan Lomax (1915–2002), who was also a dedicated folk-music scholar. Together, they toured the American South, recording folk songs for the Archive of American Song at the Library of Congress. During these travels, they discovered the renowned blues singer Huddie Ledbetter, known as Lead Belly. John Lomax's work was instrumental in preserving and popularizing American folk music, particularly from the Southern United States.12

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Mississippi Delta blues
The early tradition
Folk music scholars John and Alan Lomax, meanwhile, documented Delta blues music in field recordings made at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, colloquially known as “Parchman Farm,” in Sunflower county, Mississippi.
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Folk music scholars John and Alan Lomax, meanwhile, documented Delta blues music in field recordings made at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, colloquially known as “Parchman Farm,” in Sunflower county, Mississippi.
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Alan Lomax
…Deep South with his father, John Lomax, also a noted student of folk song, recording folk-song performances for the Archive of American Song of the Library of Congress. During this tour they discovered the great blues singer Huddie Ledbetter (“Leadbelly”). Later, Lomax was responsible for introducing to American audiences other…
Read More
…Deep South with his father, John Lomax, also a noted student of folk song, recording folk-song performances for the Archive of American Song of the Library of Congress. During this tour they discovered the great blues singer Huddie Ledbetter (“Leadbelly”). Later, Lomax was responsible for introducing to American audiences other…
Read More