Just watched the first of the three part PBS series "American Epic".
Starting with the first era of direct recording to disk it follows the production and capture of early "artists" and is VERY nicely done. I believe T-Bone Burnett and Jack White are the executive producers.
Introduction to series:
https://youtu.be/jcbATyomETw
Here's the PBS description:
Travel the country in search of unknown 1920s artists, when the music of ordinary Americans was recorded for the first time, transforming music forever. American Epic is a three-part film narrated by Robert Redford, featuring Jack White, Nas, Taj Mahal and others.
Well worth seeking out and watching!