Genre Definition
What is Folk music?
Folk is a music genre that originated traditional--present. Traditional music from many cultures; the modern American folk revival dates to the 1950s-60s.
Origin of Folk
Traditional music from many cultures; the modern American folk revival dates to the 1950s-60s. Pete Seeger and the Weavers brought labour-movement song collecting to mass audiences. Bob Dylan electrified the genre in 1965. The British folk revival (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake) developed a parallel canon.
Era: traditional--present
Defining sound of Folk
Acoustic instrumentation -- guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, upright bass. Song and lyric (often narrative or protest-oriented) take precedence over production. Voice typically unadorned. BPM ranges widely. Arrangements are sparse, giving lyrics room.
Essential Folk albums
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Pioneers of Folk
- Woody Guthrie
- Pete Seeger
- Lead Belly
- Bob Dylan
- Joan Baez
Key Folk artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Folk
- When did Folk start?
- Folk originated traditional--present. Traditional music from many cultures; the modern American folk revival dates to the 1950s-60s.
- Who invented Folk?
- Folk was pioneered by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez. Traditional music from many cultures; the modern American folk revival dates to the 1950s-60s. Pete Seeger and the Weavers brought labour-movement song collecting to mass audiences. Bob Dylan electrified the genre in 1965. The British folk revival (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake) developed a parallel canon.
- Is Folk still popular?
- Folk continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch, Iron and Wine.
- What does Folk sound like?
- Acoustic instrumentation -- guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, upright bass. Song and lyric (often narrative or protest-oriented) take precedence over production. Voice typically unadorned. BPM ranges widely. Arrangements are sparse, giving lyrics room.
- What is the difference between Folk and country?
- Folk and country are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the country definition page for a full comparison.
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