Everest Records: The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music

Everest Records: The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music was founded in 1960 by Bob and Sheila Rosenberg. The Rosenbergs were music lovers and wanted to share their passion with the world. They started by recording folk and jazz musicians in their living room and selling the records out of the trunk of their car.

Today, Everest Records is one of the world’s leading folk and jazz labels. The Rosenbergs’ son, Mark, now runs the label and continues to release quality music

How Everest Records Began

Everest Records was founded in 1953 by jazz enthusiast Bob Riggs. A former record store owner, Riggs had become interested in collecting and preserving rare and endangered recordings of traditional American music. In Everest’s earliest days, Riggs focused mainly on field recordings of bluegrass and country music artists, many of whom were obscure or otherwise unknown at the time. These recordings were made using primitive recording equipment and often captured only a single song or performance; nevertheless, they offer a valuable glimpse into the musical traditions of Appalachia and the South.

As Everest’s reputation grew, Riggs began to receive calls from folk musicians asking if he would be interested in recording their music. He quickly realized that there was a need for a high-quality recording label that specialized in traditional American music. In 1957, Riggs partnered with audio engineer Carl Jeffrey to start making professional-quality recordings of folk and jazz artists. The first album released by Everest was “The Complete Works of Blind Boone,” a seven-LP set featuring the work of late 19th-century ragtime composer John Wesley Work III.

Everest soon became known for its commitment to sonic excellence, releasing albums by such renowned artists as Odetta, Elizabeth Cotten, Mississippi John Hurt, Ben Webster, and Thelonious Monk. In 1965, Everest released its first live album, “The Newport Folk Festival,” which captured performances by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul & Mary. This album is now considered one of the most important documents of the folk revival movement of the 1960s.

Everest Records ceased operation in the 1970s but was revived in 2006 by Bob Riggs’ son Michael. The new Everest label carries on the tradition of releasing high-quality recordings of traditional American music, including folk, blues, jazz, gospel, soul, and more.

The Importance of Folk and Jazz Music

Folk and jazz music have been some of the most important and influential genres of music in the 20th century. They have both shaped and been shaped by the culture of their respective times, providing a unique snapshot of the people and events that influenced them.

Folk music is often seen as the music of the people, reflecting the lives and experiences of those who create it. It is passed down through generations, evolving and adapting as times change. Folk music has been an important part of the American experience, from the immigrant songs of the 18th and 19th centuries to the protest songs of the 20th century.

Jazz is a uniquely American genre that developed in the early 20th century. It is a mix of African and European musical traditions, with a strong focus on improvisation. Jazz has had a profound impact on American culture, from its early origins in New Orleans to its role in the Civil Rights movement.

The Everest Records Archive is home to a massive collection of folk and jazz recordings, dating back to the early days of both genres. This collection provides an invaluable resource for those interested in studying either genre, as well as for anyone who simply wants to enjoy some great music.

Everest Records: The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music

Everest Records was a record label founded in 1958 by Bob Deal and Jack Brokensha. The label was known for its high-quality recordings of folk and jazz music, and was home to many notable artists such as Odetta, Joan Baez, and Dave Brubeck.

Everest released over 500 albums during its existence, many of which are now considered collectors’ items. The label ceased operations in 1978, but its legacy lives on in the form of the Everest Records Archive, which contains hundreds of hours of recordings from the label’s catalog.

The Everest Records Archive is housed at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is open to the public for research and listening.

The Collection of Folk and Jazz Music at Everest Records

Everest Records is proud to announce the opening of our new folk and jazz music archive! This collection contains recordings of traditional and contemporary folk and jazz music from around the world, dating back to the early 20th century.

The archive is open to the public for research and listening, and we hope that it will be a valuable resource for scholars, students, and music lovers alike. We will be adding new recordings to the archive on a regular basis, so be sure to check back often!

The Significance of Folk and Jazz Music

Folk and jazz music are two of the most important genres in American music history. They both emerged in the early 20th century and have since had a profound impact on the development of popular music. Folk music was the primary form of expression for many rural Americans, while jazz became the soundtrack for the emerging urban lifestyle.

Both genres have been extremely influential in shaping American culture. Folk music helped to preserve traditional values and pass them down from generation to generation. Jazz, on the other hand, was a major force in breaking down racial barriers and promoting social change.

Today, folk and jazz are still widely enjoyed by people of all ages. They are both living traditions that continue to evolve and be passed down through the generations. The Everest Records Archive is an important repository of folk and jazz recordings that helps to preserve these genres for future generations.

The Influence of Folk and Jazz Music

Folk and jazz music have had a profound influence on American culture. These genres have shaped the country’s history and continue to shape its future. The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music is dedicated to preserving and promoting these two important genres of music.

The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music was founded in 1961 by Discount Records, a New York City-based record store. The store’s owner, Jerry Wexler, was a folk music fan who wanted to make sure that these records were available to the public. Wexler donated his personal collection of folk and jazz recordings to the archive, which grew over the years to include more than 50,000 items.

The archive is currently housed at the University of California, Berkeley. It includes recordings, photos, documents, and other materials that focus on the history and development of folk and jazz music in the United States. The archive is open to the public, and it is used by scholars, musicians, and music lovers alike.

The Evolution of Folk and Jazz Music

Folk and jazz music have undergone a number of changes since their inception. Folk music, which is typically passed down orally from one generation to the next, has seen a number of changes in style and instrumentation over the years. Jazz music, which originated in the early 20th century, has also undergone a number of changes, particularly in terms of its improvisational nature.

The Future of Folk and Jazz Music

Everest Records: The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music is the world’s largest collection of folk and jazz recordings. With more than two million recordings, Everest has been committed to preserving and presenting this important music for more than fifty years.

Today, Everest faces many challenges. The cost of storing and preserving these recordings is increasing, while the demand for new recordings is declining. In addition, the internet has made it easy for people to access music without paying for it, which has had a negative impact on sales of CDs and other recorded music.

Despite these challenges, Everest continues to digitize its collection and make it available online. In addition, Everest is working with universities and other institutions to ensure that the Archive of Folk and Jazz Music will be available to future generations.

The Appreciation of Folk and Jazz Music

Everest Records: The Archive of Folk and Jazz Music is a website dedicated to the appreciation of folk and jazz music. The site offers a wide variety of resources for music lovers, including a section on the history of these genres, a directory of festivals and concerts, and a forum for discussion.

The Significance of Everest Records

Everest Records was one of the most significant American record labels of the 20th century. It was founded in 1958 by Bob Thiele and Orrin Keepnews, two music industry insiders who had a shared passion for folk and jazz music.

Everest was known for releasing high-quality recordings of both genres, often featuring rare or previously unrecorded material. The label’s roster included some of the most respected names in folk and jazz, such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and Thelonious Monk.

Everest’s influence can still be felt today; the label’s archives are now housed at the Smithsonian Institution, where they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.