Is Country Folk Music Making a Comeback?
Contents
Is country folk music making a comeback? It’s hard to say for sure, but there are definitely some signs that point to it. Here are a few examples of how country folk music is making a comeback.
Introduction
Though it has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years by other genres, country folk music is enjoying something of a resurgence in popularity. This old-timey style of music, which combines elements of folk and country music, is the perfect way to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are just a few reasons why country folk music is making a comeback.
The History of Country Folk Music
Country folk music has been around for centuries, with its origins in the Appalachian Mountains. The music is a mix of various genres, including folk, bluegrass, and country. The music is often passed down from generation to generation, and many of the songs are about love, loss, and heartache.
Origins in the 18th century
Country folk music has its roots in the 18th century, when the first folk songs began to be collected and published. The genre grew out of the oral tradition of storytelling and song, and was shaped by the music of the British Isles and Appalachia. Early country folk songs were often about love, loss, and home, and their sound was influenced by the Celtic fiddle and ballad. In the early 20th century, country folk music became more popular, with artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family becoming some of the most well-known performers. The genre continued to grow in popularity throughout the mid-20th century, with artists like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan helping to expand its sound. Country folk music experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th century, with a new generation of artists like Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Gillian Welch helping to keep the genre alive.
The golden age: the 1920s – 1940s
During the 1920s and 1930s, folk music became increasingly popular, leading to the formation of various folk music movements. One such movement was the British folk revival, which saw the revival of traditional British folk music and the development of new folk styles.
The Folk Revival in England is often seen as having started with the work of Cecil Sharp, who collected and published a number of traditional English folk songs. Other important figures in the Folk Revival include Ewan MacColl, A. L. Lloyd and Bert Lloyd. The Revival also saw the development of new folk styles, such as skiffle (a type of music that blended elements of jazz andfolk) and urban blues.
During the 1940s, American Folk music also experienced a resurgence, led by figures such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Lead Belly. This was partly in response to the rise of fascism and Nazism in Europe during the 1930s, as many American folk musicians felt a need to promote leftist politics and social change through their music.
The 1950s – 1970s: The commercialization of country folk music
During the 1950s and 1960s, country music became increasingly commercialized, leading to the development of popular country-folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Simon & Garfunkel. While some artists continued to perform traditional folk songs, others began writing more personal and political songs that addressed issues such as civil rights, religion and Vietnam War. Some artists – such as Dylan – achieved considerable mainstream success, while others – such as Baez – remained firmly entrenched in the Folk Revival movement.
The 1970s – present: The return to tradition
In recent years there has been a renewed interest in traditional country-folk music, led by artists such as Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss & Union Station and The Dixie Chicks. This has coincided with a general trend within popular music towards a return to simpler songwriting structures and instrumentation.
The decline: the 1950s – 1970s
The decline of country folk music began in the 1950s with the advent of rock and roll. Country music was seen as old-fashioned and was no longer popular with young people. This led to a decline in the number of country folk musicians, as well as a decline in the number of people attending country folk concerts. In the 1970s, disco became popular, and country music became even less popular. This led to even fewer country folk musicians and even fewer people attending country folk concerts.
The Resurgence of Country Folk Music
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of country folk music. This genre of music has its roots in the American South and is known for its simple, down-to-earth lyrics. Country folk music is also known for its catchy melodies and its ability to tell stories.
The new wave of country folk artists
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in country folk music, with a new wave of artists emerging on the scene. This type of music has its roots in the traditional folk music of rural America, but with a modern twist.
Some of the most popular country folk artists today include John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and The Avett Brothers. These artists are bringing something new to the genre, while still staying true to its roots.
What sets country folk music apart from other genres is its focus on storytelling. This type of music is all about sharing the human experience, and connecting with listeners on a personal level. The lyrics are often heartfelt and relatable, and the melodies are catchy and easy to sing along to.
If you’re looking for something different from the typical pop or rock fare, then you should definitely give country folk music a try. You might just find yourself falling in love with this unique and charming genre.
The popularity of country folk festivals
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of country folk music, with festivals dedicated to the genre popping up all over the United States. This resurgence can be traced back to the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, which featured music by artists like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Emmylou Harris. The popularity of the soundtrack led to a renewed interest in country folk music, and Today, there are dozens of country folk festivals held every year.
One of the most popular country folk festivals is The Fare Thee Well Tour, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Grateful Dead. The tour features performances by some of the biggest names in country folk music, including Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, David Grisman, and Vincent Cross. Another popular festival is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, which is held in San Francisco every October. The festival features more than 100 performers on 13 stages over three days.
If you’re a fan of country folk music or are interested in exploring the genre further, attending a country folk festival is a great way to do so.
Conclusion
It’s hard to say for certain whether country folk music is making a comeback. However, there are definitely signs that indicate that the genre is enjoying something of a revival. More and more people seem to be interested in the style, and there are more country folk artists than ever before. So, while it may not be as popular as it once was, it’s certainly not dead.
