Hally Wood

Harriet Elizabeth "Hally" Wood (1922–1989) was an influential American musician, singer, and folk musicologist. Born in Washington, D.C., she moved to Texas as a child and later studied music at the University of Texas, where she met noted folklorists John and Alan Lomax. Her career took her to New York City after World War II, where she worked with prominent folk artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Wood was known for transcribing and editing field recordings for the Lomax brothers, contributing significantly to the documentation of American folk music. She co-edited several important songbooks, including works by Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie, which became key resources in understanding and preserving traditional folk songs.

In addition to her work as a musicologist, Wood was also a singer, releasing solo albums in the 1950s and collaborating on recordings with Jean Ritchie. She later contributed to the publication of song collections by Townes Van Zandt. Her efforts were recognized in Dick Weissman's book *Which Side Are You On?*, highlighting her role in the folk music revival.

Wood's personal life included three marriages and several children, reflecting a rich, multifaceted career that bridged traditional music documentation with performance, leaving a lasting legacy in American folk culture.