Izzy Young: Talking Folklore Center
Izzy Young: Talking Folklore Center

Movie spotlight

Izzy Young: Talking Folklore Center

1989
Movie
52 min
English

Izzy Young was the guru of American folk music. In this documentary covering his legendary Folklore Center in New York Izzy meets with friends and collaborators like Pete Seeger, Allen Ginsberg, The Fugs, Mayor Ed Koch to reminisce. Includes unique archival footage and folk music from the 1960s.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Dan W. BurnsGenres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

This documentary offers a glimpse into the life and work of Izzy Young, the proprietor of the Folklore Center in Greenwich Village, New York City. It explores her dedication to collecting and preserving folk music and stories, highlighting her deep passion for the folklore community. The film showcases Young's vibrant personality and her significant role in nurturing folk traditions.

Critical Reception

As a short documentary focusing on a niche subject, "Izzy Young: Talking Folklore Center" received limited mainstream critical reviews. However, within folk music and cultural history circles, it is recognized as a valuable record of a significant cultural figure and institution. Its reception is generally positive for its archival and biographical merit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intimate portrait of a dedicated cultural preservationist.

  • Appreciated for documenting the history and significance of the Folklore Center.

  • Seen as a valuable resource for understanding the folk music scene of Greenwich Village.

Google audience: Information not available for this specific documentary.

Fun Fact

The Folklore Center, founded by Izzy Young in 1957, was a crucial hub for folk musicians and enthusiasts, acting as a venue, record store, and information center that significantly influenced the folk revival movement.

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