Not to be confused with the earthy barrelhouse pianist of the same name, Robert Shaw made his name through his dual mastery of the art of choral and orchestral conducting. Although featured on record with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing standard classical repertory, Shaw's own recordings often document his interest in old-time song. Best-known for several recordings of traditional Christmas carols, he has also tackled Irish folk music, sea shanties, songs of the American Civil War, popular American hymns, African American spirituals, and the works of Stephen Foster, among others.