The Best Folk Music of the ’60s and ’70s
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A look at the best folk music of the 1960s and 1970s, including artists such as Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and Joan Baez.
The Best Folk Music of the ’60s
The 1960s and ’70s were a golden era for folk music. The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Simon and Garfunkel all got their start in the folk music scene. The ’60s were also a time of great political and social change, and folk music was a way for people to express their views on the world. Here are some of the best folk songs of the ’60s.
The Beatles
No other band symbolized the folk music explosion of the 1960s more than the Beatles. The British quartet’s early recordings were heavily influenced by American folk and rock musicians such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Chuck Berry. The Beatles’ sound soon evolved away from those roots, but their influence on the genre was undeniable. Other British Invasion bands, such as the Animals and the Rolling Stones, also incorporated elements of folk music into their repertoire.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s songs “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” became anthems of the civil rights and anti-war movements. His lyrics incorporated a wide range of political, social, philosophical, and literary influences. They defied existing pop music conventions and appealed to the burgeoning counterculture. Dylan has been described as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, musically and culturally.
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the most popular groups of the 1960s and are best known for their 1966 hit single “The Sound of Silence”.Simon and Garfunkel’s seventh and final studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water, was released in early 1970. The duo split up in 1970 at the height of their popularity, with Simon pursuing a solo career as a musician and actor and Garfunkel becoming an ordained Presbyterian minister.
The Best Folk Music of the ’70s
We all know the ’60s were a time of social and political upheaval. But what about the music of that era? The ’70s were a time of great change in the music industry, with the advent of folk rock and the rise of singer-songwriters. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best folk music of the ’70s.
James Taylor
James Taylor was one of the most popular folk singers of the 1970s. His intimate style and confessional lyrics connected with listeners, and he had a string of hits including “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is often cited as one of the best folk musicians of the ’70s. Her songs are known for their complex lyrics and her unique vocal style. She is a highly influential figure in the world of folk music, and her work has been covered by many other artists.
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young were a folk rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills, and English singer-songwriters Graham Nash and Neil Young. They were active between 1968 and 1974, and are best known for their hits “Marrakesh Express” and “Teach Your Children”.
