Who Created Folk Music?

We all know folk music when we hear it, but who created it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of folk music and how it has evolved over time.

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and emphasizes tradition and storytelling. Though the term “folk music” can be used to describe music from anywhere in the world, it is often used to describe traditional music from Europe and North America.

The origins of folk music are difficult to trace, but it is clear that the genre has been around for centuries. One theory suggests that folk music began as a way for people to share stories and history through song. Another theory suggests that folk music was originally created for entertainment purposes, such as dance or celebration.

Regardless of its origins, folk music has been a part of cultures all over the world for centuries. In recent years, the popularity of folk music has risen in both Europe and North America, thanks in part to the success of artists like Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel.

Folk Music in America

Folk music in America is as varied as the people who reside here. There is no one “creator” of folk music, but rather it is a genre that has been passed down through the generations by oral tradition. Folk music encompasses a wide range of styles, from the homey songs of early settlers to the work songs of slaves and from the patriotic anthems of soldiers to the 44
blues cries of hobo travelers. While some folk songs are simple ballads telling personal stories, others are rallying cries for political or social change. No matter what their origin, these songs reflect the heart and soul of America.

The British Isles and Folk Music

The British Isles have a long and rich history of folk music. This music has been passed down from generation to generation, and has been shaped by the various cultures that have inhabited the islands.

There is no one definitive answer to the question of who created folk music. However, many scholars believe that the origins of folk music can be traced back to the Celtic peoples who lived in the British Isles thousands of years ago. These peoples brought with them their own unique musical traditions, which were then combined with the music of other cultures that they came into contact with.

Over time, the various folk traditions of the British Isles developed into their own distinct genres, each with its own characteristic sound and style. Today, folk music is still very popular in the British Isles, and continues to be an important part of the culture.

Folk Music of Central and Eastern Europe

Folk music of Central and Eastern Europe is the music of the people that live in Central and Eastern Europe. It includes the folk music of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary,Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.

The first recognizable type of folk music in Central-Eastern Europe came from the Roman Empire. This was replaced by Germanic folk music after the empire fell. As Central and Eastern Europe was under constant threat from different empires and peoples throughout its history, many different types of folk music developed over time.

Some of these genres include: Polkas, Mazurkas, Waltzes, Tango, Slavic Folk Music and Roma (Gypsy) Music. Each of these genres has its own unique history and sound.

Folk music in Central and Eastern Europe has been used as a tool of nationalistic propaganda by various governments throughout the 20th century. In recent years however, there has been a renewed interest in traditional folk music among both musicians and audiences alike.

The Nordic Countries and Folk Music

Folk music is said to have originated in the Nordic countries, specifically Sweden and Norway. This is because folk music was first documented in these countries in the form of ballads and fiddle tunes. Sweden and Norway are also where the first professional folk musicians arose. Folk music then spread to other parts of Europe, including the British Isles, where it became popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Folk Music of the Iberian Peninsula

Folk music of the Iberian Peninsula has its roots in the music of the people who inhabited the region for centuries. From the Celts and Romans to the Moors and Christians, each group left their mark on the music of the region.

The Celts were probably the first to bring their music to the Iberian Peninsula, and their influence can still be heard in some of the folk songs of Spain and Portugal. Roman soldiers also brought their music to the region, which helped to spread folk music throughout Europe.

When the Moors invaded Spain in 711 AD, they brought with them a rich tradition of Arabic music. This new influence helped to create a new type of folk music, known as Moorish-Andalusian music. Christian soldiers who fought against the Moors also brought their own musical traditions to Spain, which further influenced Moorish-Andalusian music.

Over time, Moorish-Andalusian music began to spread throughout Europe, and it eventually gave rise to a new genre known as Flamenco. Although it originated in Spain, Flamenco has become popular all over the world and is now considered one of the most popular types of folk music.

Folk Music of the Middle East

Folk music of the Middle East is traditionally associated with the Bedouin people of the region. The music is highly rhythmic and often uses instruments such as the dumbek (a type of drum), the oud (a stringed instrument), and the ney (a type of flute).

The music has a strong oral tradition, and many of the songs are passed down from generation to generation. The lyrics often deal with themes such as love, loss, and patriotism.

Folk music of the Middle East has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, including Persian, Turkish, and European. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in this type of music among Western audiences.

Folk Music of Africa

Folk music is the music of the people, and it has been around since the beginning of time. It is a genre that is passed down from generation to generation and is constantly evolving. Folk music is usually associated with a certain culture or region, and it often has a religious or spiritual element.

There are many different types of folk music, but one of the most popular is African folk music. African folk music has a rich history and tradition, and it is an important part of the cultural identity of the continent. African folk music is passed down through oral tradition, and it often has a strong rhythmic element.

African folk music has been influenced by many different cultures over the years, including Arabic, European, and American culture. This influence can be heard in the music itself, as well as in the instruments that are used.

Folk Music of Asia

Folk music of Asia refers to the folk music of South and Southeast Asia, including the folk music of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. With roots in the oral traditions of these cultures, Asian folk music has been passed down through the generations both orally and through writing. The style and instruments used in Asian folk music vary by region, but some common instruments include flutes, gongs, guitars and drums.

Contemporary Folk Music

Contemporary folk music is a genre that encompasses a wide variety of styles. It is generally considered to have begun in the mid-20th century, with the advent of Bob Dylan and the Beatles. However, there are many different artists and bands who can be considered pioneers of the genre.

Some of the most popular contemporary folk artists include:

-Bob Dylan
-Joan Baez
-Simon and Garfunkel
-The Byrds
-The Beatles
– Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young