The Weavers launched a popular folk music movement almost single-handedly in the late 1940s and early '50s, performing traditional material as well as songs by folk artists like Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, whose "Goodnight Irene" is included here. Forced to disband after being blacklisted in 1952 by the House Un-American Activities Committee, they reformed three years later to international acclaim, continuing to perform until 1963. Many of the tracks on this best-of feature lavish orchestral and big band arrangements, as well as backing singers, giving a commercial sheen to an eclectic set that includes songs like the energetic "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena," the soaring "Wimoweh," and the wry "Rock Island Line."
