The Best of 70s Folk Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

A collection of the best folk music from the 1970s. Featuring artists like Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Joni Mitchell.

The Best of 70s Folk Music

The 1970s were a golden age for folk music, with artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King becoming household names. This list celebrates the best folk songs of the 1970s, with a mix of well-known classics and lesser-known gems.

“The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
One of Dylan’s most famous protest songs, “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is an anthem for social change. The song was written in the early 1960s but didn’t gain widespread popularity until it was released as a single in 1964.

“Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
This bittersweet song about leaving loved ones behind became a massive hit for John Denver in 1969. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Denver’s version remains the most recognizable.

“The Weight” by The Band
This 1968 song became one of The Band’s signature tunes, thanks to its catchy melody and wistful lyrics. The song was later covered by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin and Jackie Wilson.

“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
This classic ballad from 1970 is one of James Taylor’s most famous songs. The lyrics tell the story of Taylor’s struggles with addiction and depression, culminating in the death of his friend Suzanne Schnerr.

The Best of 70s Folk Music – Part 2

The 70s were a great decade for folk music, with many different artists emerging and experimenting with the genre. In this second part of our series, we take a look at some of the best folk music of the 70s.

Dylan Goes Electric

One of the most important moments in 70s folk music was when Bob Dylan went electric, causing a huge stir in the folk community. His decision to use electric instruments and rock elements in his music divided opinion, but there’s no denying that it had a huge impact on the genre.

The Notting Hillbillies

Another important album from the 70s is The Notting Hillbillies by The Flying Burrito Brothers. This album saw Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman experiment with country rock, and the results are stunning. The album is full of great songs that are perfect for any country fan.

Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is another excellent album from the 70s, this time by Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. The two artists harmonize beautifully on this record, and it’s packed with classic country songs. If you’re a fan of either artist, then this is an essential album.

The Best of 70s Folk Music – Part 3

The third and final installment of our series on the best of 70s folk music features some of the most influential and iconic artists of the decade. From Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell, these musicians helped shape the sound of a generation and their music continues to resonate with fans today.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best folk music the 1970s had to offer.

Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
One of Dylan’s most famous songs, “The Times They Are A-Changin’” is an anthem for the youth of the 1960s who were pushing for social change. With its simple, yet powerful lyrics, the song has become one of Dylan’s most enduring hits.

Joni Mitchell – “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell is one of the most respected singer-songwriters of her generation and “Big Yellow Taxi” is one of her most famous songs. The tune, which bemoans the destruction of nature by humans, is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1970.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – “Teach Your Children”
This classic tune from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is a perfect example of the harmonies that made this group so popular. “Teach Your Children” is a plea for parents to instill values such as love and understanding in their children.

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