Alan Lomax, born on January 31, 1915, in Austin, Texas, was a prominent American ethnomusicologist, folklorist, and music scholar who dedicated his life to the preservation and appreciation of folk music. He was the son of John Avery Lomax, a noted collector of American folk songs, and he began his career in folklore alongside his father. Together, they embarked on expeditions across the American South, recording folk songs for the Library of Congress's Archive of American Folk Song. This work led to the discovery of influential artists such as blues singer Huddie Ledbetter, known as Lead Belly.

Lomax's educational background included a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and he also studied at Harvard University and Columbia University. His career spanned over six decades, during which he made significant contributions to the American and British folk revivals of the mid-20th century. He recorded thousands of songs and interviews, not only in the United States but also in Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond, using the latest recording technology of the time.

In addition to his fieldwork, Lomax was a prolific writer and producer. His notable works include "Mister Jelly Roll," a biography of jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, and "The Folk Songs of North America in the English Language." He also developed the Cantometrics system with Victor Grauer, a comprehensive study of singing styles correlated with anthropological data.

Lomax's passion for cultural equity led him to advocate for the recognition and preservation of folk traditions worldwide. He produced radio shows, concerts, and films, including the PBS series "American Patchwork," and his efforts were instrumental in bringing artists like Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters, and Pete Seeger to wider audiences.

Alan Lomax passed away on July 19, 2002, in Safety Harbor, Florida, leaving behind a vast legacy of recordings and writings that continue to influence the study and appreciation of folk music globally. His work is preserved at the Library of Congress, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from his extensive contributions to ethnomusicology.