The Top 70 Folk Songs of All Time

We’ve rounded up the top 70 folk songs of all time, according to Billboard. From classics like “The Times They Are A-Changin'” to more modern hits like “Ho Hey,” these are the folk songs that have stood the test of time.

Introduction

folk music has been with us since the dawn of civilization. It is the music of the people and has been passed down from generation to generation. Over time, it has evolved and changed to reflect the times and places in which it was created.

Today, there are many different styles of folk music, from traditional songs to more modern interpretations. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music or looking for something a little different, there’s a folk song out there for everyone.

To help you find the perfect folk song for your next sing-along, we’ve compiled a list of the top 70 folk songs of all time. This list includes both traditional and more modern interpretations of folk songs, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The Top 70 Folk Songs of All Time

The folk music genre has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. Folk songs are typically passed down from generation to generation and are often about the ordinary lives of the people who sing them. Many folk songs have been adapted and made popular by various artists over the years. Here is a list of the top 70 folk songs of all time.

“The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan

“The Times They Are A-Changin'” is a song written by Bob Dylan and released on his 1964 album of the same name. The song is one of Dylan’s most famous and has been covered by many artists.

“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and released as a single by Peter, Paul & Mary in May 1963. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 1963 and became a worldwide hit. It has been recorded by more than 400 artists.

“Blowin’ in the Wind” has been described as “one of the most influential songs of all time” and “a perfect example of Dylan’s ability to craft a song that captures both the zeitgeist of a generation and the timelessness of a good melody.” The lyrics have been translated into more than 20 languages.

“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals

“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, thought to have originated in the early 1900s. The song is about a young man who is forced to leave his home and family after committing a crime. He eventually finds himself in New Orleans, working at a brothel called “The House of the Rising Sun”. The song became popular in the 1960s when it was recorded by British rock band The Animals.

“Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul & Mary

“Puff the Magic Dragon” is a song written by Leonard Lipton and made popular by the folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary. The song tells the story of a young boy named Danny, who has to say goodbye to his imaginary friend, a dragon named Puff. It is one of the most popular and well-known folk songs of all time.

“Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver

Leaving on a Jet Plane is a song written by John Denver in 1966. The song became one of Denver’s signature songs and one of his most popular hits. In January 2010, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” by The Hillside Singers

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” is a pop song written by Bill Danoff, Bill Harrington, and Frank Faulkner. It was originally recorded by The New Seekers in 1971.

The Hillside Singers version was a number one hit in the United States and United Kingdom. In America, the song peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in December 1971, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Outside the United States, it topped the charts in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The Hillside Singers’ recording sold over six million copies worldwide and won a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Pop Group or Vocal Duo or Chorus at the 14th Annual Grammy Awards in 1972.

“City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie

City of New Orleans is a song written by Steve Goodman and released in 1972, sung by Arlo Guthrie. The song is a tribute to the city of New Orleans and the people who live there. The song has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, and John Denver.

“The Weight” by The Band

“The Weight” is a song by Canadian-American group the Band that was originally released as a single in 1968 and later appeared on the group’s debut album Music from Big Pink. Written by Band member Robbie Robertson, the song is about a traveler who visits a small town and accepts a rather peculiar request from its residents.

Although it was not a major hit upon its original release, “The Weight” has since become one of the Band’s most popular and best-known songs, with numerous cover versions recorded by other artists. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 41 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, and in 2008, the American Film Institute ranked it No. 96 on its list of the 100 greatest movie songs of all time.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, released as the first single from his 1976 album Summertime Dream. The song is a tribute to the crew of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” became a huge hit in Canada, peaking at number one on the RPM 100 national singles chart in January 1976. In the United States, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1976. The single also did well in other countries, reaching number one in Australia and New Zealand and number two in the United Kingdom.

In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” at number467 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. Gordon Lightfoot was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his recording of the song at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 1977.

“The Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen

“The Streets of Philadelphia” is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen for the film Philadelphia (1993). It was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994. Springsteen’s recording became a huge hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming only the second song from a feature film to top the chart (after “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman). It also reached number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song was included on Springsteen’s Greatest Hits (1995) album.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed our ultimate guide to the top 70 folk songs of all time. While many of these songs are timeless classics, others are more recent releases that are quickly becoming folk staples. No matter which ones you choose to play, we guarantee they will get your toes tapping and your heart singing.So, grab your acoustic guitar, dust off your harmonicas, and get ready for a good old fashioned sing-along. These are the top 70 folk songs of all time.