An American documentary filmmaker, he was renowned for his poetic and intimate portrayals of American traditional music, food, and subcultures. His works often celebrated the lives and passions of diverse communities, from blues musicians to garlic enthusiasts. Known for a distinctive style that combined observational footage with personal touches, he received critical acclaim for films like "Burden of Dreams" and "Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers." His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the documentary genre.