Ralph Rinzler

Ralph Rinzler (1934-1992) was an influential American folklorist, musicologist, and advocate for traditional music, particularly American folk and bluegrass. He played a key role in popularizing folk music in the 1960s and co-founded the Newport Folk Festival. Rinzler worked to preserve and promote folk traditions, collaborating with numerous artists and helping to document their work. He also established the Smithsonian Institution's Folkways Records, which has an extensive catalog of world music. His contributions helped elevate the appreciation of folk cultures and made a lasting impact on the music community and cultural preservation efforts.