A Brief History of Folk Rock Music
Contents
Get acquainted with the history of folk rock music, from its early origins to its more modern incarnations. Discover how this unique genre has evolved over time, and what makes it so special.
The early days of folk rock music
The early days of folk rock music were marked by a blending of two very different genres: folk and rock. This blending created a new sound that was both familiar and fresh, and it quickly caught on with music fans around the world. But where did this new sound come from?
The roots of folk rock can be traced back to the early 1960s, when a number of folk musicians began experimenting with electric instruments and rock & roll rhythms. One of the most important early bands in this genre was The Byrds, who blended elements of folk and rock to create a unique sound that influenced countless other artists.
The Byrds were not the only ones experimenting with this new sound; in the UK, a number of bands were also exploring the possibilities of combining folk and rock. One of the most successful British folk rock bands was Fairport Convention, whose 1968 album “Liege & Lief” is often considered to be one of the greatest albums in the genre.
Throughout the 1970s, folk rock continued to evolve and grow, as more and more artists began to experiment with its sound. In America, bands like Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Eagles helped to bring folk rock to a wider audience, while in Britain artists like Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson continued to push the boundaries of the genre.
Today, folk rock is as popular as ever, with new bands like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers continuing to find success with audiences around the world. The future of folk rock looks bright, and it’s safe to say that this uniquely American genre is here to stay.
The British Invasion and the folk rock boom
The British Invasion of the early 1960s, led by the Beatles, had a profound effect on the development of folk rock. Along with bringing British pop music to the attention of the world, the Beatles and their contemporaries also sparked an interest in traditional forms of music. This was particularly true in the United States, where there was a growing appetite for something different from the dominant style of rock & roll.
At the same time, a new generation of singer-songwriters was coming to prominence, including Bob Dylan, who synthesis of folk and rock would prove hugely influential. By 1965, Dylan was being backed by a full rock band on his groundbreaking album Highway 61 Revisited, and others quickly followed suit. The Byrds were perhaps the most successful band to emerge from this folk rock boom, hits such as “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” establishing them as one of the biggest groups of the mid-1960s.
The decline of folk rock in the 1970s
The 1970s saw the decline of folk rock as a commercial genre. Following the massive success of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water album in early 1970, folk rock acts found it increasingly difficult to achieve commercial success. The genre became increasingly splintered, with many artists exploring a range of different musical styles. Simon and Garfunkel’s subsequent albums were both critical and commercial failures, and the duo eventually split up in 1970. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young also experienced significant disagreements during this period, eventually leading to a break-up in 1974.
The folk rock revival of the 1990s and 2000s
Folk rock made a comeback in the 1990s and 2000s with a new generation of bands influenced by the original sound of the genre. Bands like Fleet Foxes, Beach House, and The Decemberists helped to revive interest in folk rock with their unique takes on the sound. These new bands brought fresh energy to the genre and helped to create a new wave of folk rock that continues to influence musicians today.
The influence of folk rock music on popular culture
Folk rock music emerged in the 1960s as a hybrid genre that combined elements of folk and rock music. Folk rock bands were often inspired by the social and political issues of the day, and their music often had a message of peace, love, and understanding.
Folk rock music quickly gained popularity, and by the 1970s, it was one of the most popular genres of music. Folk rock bands like The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Simon & Garfunkel helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1970s.
The influence of folk rock music can still be heard in popular culture today. Many modern musicians have been influenced by folk rock, and the genre continues to inspire new artists.
The legacy of folk rock music
Folk rock music has its roots in the folk music of the 1960s. The genre emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 1960s. The sound of folk rock was a blend of the two genres, with some additional elements of pop and rock. The biggest difference between folk rock and other genres was the electric instrumentation, which gave folk rock a much fuller sound than typical folk music.
Folk rock quickly caught on in both the UK and US, with bands like The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkel leading the way. Other notable folk rock artists include Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
The popularity of folk rock waned in the 1970s, but the genre has continued to influence popular music. Many contemporary artists, including Vampire Weekend and Mumford & Sons, have been influenced by folk rock.
