American Ballads is a 1957 album by Pete Seeger released on Folkways Records. The album compiles traditional American ballads performed by Seeger with his characteristic banjo and guitar style.
The album includes songs reflecting the social and political history of the United States, such as 'John Henry' and 'The Wreck of the Old 97'. Seeger aimed to preserve and disseminate folk music as a tool for social awareness.
Produced by Moses Asch, founder of Folkways, the album is part of a series of recordings documenting North American musical tradition. American Ballads was well received by critics and folk revival followers.