Harry Oster
Harry Oster (born April 12, 1923 in Cambridge (Massachusetts) , † January 19, 2001 in Iowa City , Iowa ) was an American music ethnologist whose concern was the preservation of the traditional music and stories of the southern states .
Oster published numerous articles on traditional musical styles such as Cajun , folk and blues , as well as the standard works Living Country Blues (1969) and Dictionary of American Folklore (2000).
In 1957 he founded the record label Louisiana Folklore Society (renamed Folk Lyric Records in 1960 ), on which he saved folk, blues and gospel pieces from oblivion. One of his most famous discoveries is Robert Pete Williams , whose release from prison he promoted.
In addition, Oster initiated the annual Folk Festival Old Fiddlers Picnic and the Association of Friends of Traditional Music in Iowa ( Iowa Friends of Old-Time Music ).
Harry Oster died of cancer in 2001.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Easter, Harry |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American ethnomusicologist |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 12, 1923 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| DATE OF DEATH | January 19, 2001 |
| Place of death | Iowa City |