Henrietta

Biography

Henrietta Yurchenco (1916-2007) was a pioneering ethnomusicologist, radio producer, and folk music advocate born in New York, where she began her career in late 1939 at WNYC. She produced programs featuring American folk music and global sounds, working closely with Lead Belly on his radio show, scripting episodes, and arranging debut New York radio appearances for Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Scouting ethnic communities for talent, she brought diverse musicians to air during a time when such recordings were scarce. She authored Woody Guthrie's first biography and books like 'A Fiesta of Songs from Latin America and Spain' (1966) and her autobiography 'Around the World in 80 Years: A Musical Odyssey' (2003).[1][3]

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Yurchenco hosted shows on WBAI and WNYC, including 'Adventures in Folk Music,' and collaborated with folklorists like Alan Lomax and Charles Seeger. From 1966 to 1987, she taught ethnomusicology at City College, New York, offering hands-on workshops on global instruments and styles while opposing academic bureaucracy. Politically active since the 1930s, she engaged in anti-Vietnam War efforts and lifelong protests, promoting peace songs. Retiring as Professor Emerita, she remained an inspiring figure for students.[1]

Yurchenco's legacy lies in bridging folk music with social history, producing recordings like 'Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie: Live on WNYC 1940' and documenting traditions from Pre-Columbian Mexico to Sephardic Morocco. Her zeal persisted into her later years with the Down Home Radio Show, emphasizing music's reflection of societal principles.[1][3]

Fun Facts

• Yurchenco scouted New York streets, ethnic halls, and restaurants to find rare foreign musicians for her radio shows when recordings were unavailable.
• She remained politically active into her 90s, attending demonstrations and promoting protest songs against war and oppression.
• A frequent quoter of Charles Seeger, she echoed his advice: 'Studying the music is fine, but never forget the people.'
• Post-retirement, City College ethnomusicology classes visited her home each semester to meet the 'ever friendly and inspiring matriarch.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charles Seeger - Influential musicologist and collaborator in ethnomusicology (Society for Ethnomusicology conference discussions) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Lead Belly - Produced his WNYC radio program, scripted shows (Lead Belly radio series, 'Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie: Live on WNYC 1940') [late 1930s-1940s]
• Woody Guthrie - Arranged first New York radio appearance, authored his first biography (Woody Guthrie biography, WNYC appearances) [1940s]
• Pete Seeger - Arranged first New York radio appearance (WNYC folk music programs) [1940s]
• Alan Lomax - Collaborated as fellow folklorist and ethnomusicologist (Folk music radio and research projects) [1940s-1960s]

Artists Influenced

• City College ethnomusicology students - Taught and inspired through workshops and concerts (Ethnomusicology classes, instrument workshops) [1966-1987]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz