John Avery Lomax was an American folklorist and musicologist, born on September 23, 1867. He is best known for his pioneering work in collecting and preserving traditional American folk music. Lomax traveled extensively across the United States, recording songs from various cultures and communities, which helped to document the rich musical heritage of the nation. Lomax is particularly recognized for his contributions to the Library of Congress, where he donated many of his recordings. He also published several influential books, including American Ballads and Folk Songs, which showcased the diversity of American music and inspired future generations of musicians and scholars.