Oscar Brand was a legendary folk singer, songwriter, and radio host known for his vast catalog of traditional, bawdy, and topical songs. Born in 1920, Brand had a career that spanned more than seven decades, releasing dozens of albums and becoming one of America's most prolific folk artists. He had a knack for collecting and performing songs from all corners of American life—whether it was ribald bar tunes, military songs, or political campaign ditties—often with a dose of wit and social commentary.
Beyond his recordings, Brand was also a dedicated promoter of folk music on his long-running radio program, "Folksong Festival," which aired weekly on WNYC starting in 1945 and ran for over 70 years. The show featured many major figures in folk and popular music, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins. Oscar Brand's work not only preserved folk traditions but also helped shape the American folk revival of the mid-20th century.
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