In 1952, renowned musicologist, filmmaker and painter, Harry Smith (1923-1991) went through his vast collection of blues, old-time country, Cajun, and gospel 78s to compile the groundbreaking Anthology Of American Folk Music box set, which had a profound influence on musicians such as Bob Dylan,The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen.

In recognition of his enormous contribution to American music, Harry Smith was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1991 Grammy Awards, shortly before his death. In 1997 his Anthology was reissued on CD and it won two Grammy Awards, eventually going gold. In 2005, it was entered into the U.S. Government's prestigious National Recording Registry of recordings which "are culturally, historically or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States."