American Folk Music on YouTube

American Folk Music is a broad term, encompassing everything from traditional ballads to bluegrass. Check out some of our favorite American Folk Music videos on YouTube.

The Evolution of American Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has evolved a lot over the years. American folk music is a genre that is very diverse, and it has a lot of different subgenres. YouTube has a lot of American folk music videos that you can watch and listen to.

The early days of American folk music

American folk music is music passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, or oral tradition. It is the music of the people, and it has been shaped and influenced by the events and experiences of the people who have sung and played it.

The early days of American folk music were shaped by the songs and stories of the Native Americans, who had been living on the land for centuries before Europeans arrived. When the first Europeans settled in America, they brought with them their own folk songs, which often told stories about their homeland or their religion. These songs mingled with the songs of the Native Americans, and together they helped to create a new American folk tradition.

In the 1800s, as America began to grow and expand westward, its folk music began to reflect this change. The songs of westward expansion often told stories about life on the frontier, while other songs lamented the loss of loved ones left behind. At the same time, African Americans were developing their own musical traditions, blending elements of European and African musical styles to create gospel, blues, and jazz. All of these genres would go on to have a profound influence on American folk music.

As America continued to grow and change in the twentieth century, so did its folk music. Songs were written about important events like world wars and the Great Depression, while others celebrated the joys of love and life. Folk musicians like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger used their music to speak out against social injustice, while others like Bob Dylan adapted traditional folk songs to create a new sound that would come to be known as “folk rock.”

Today, American folk music is as diverse as the country itself. There are countless different styles and subgenres, reflecting America’s rich history and cultural diversity. Whether you’re listening to upbeat bluegrass or soulful blues, American folk music is sure to fill your heart with joy.

The rise of the American folk music revival

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a resurgence of interest in American folk music. This was partly due to the popularity of performers such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and the commercial success of albums such as The Weavers’ Songs of Italy (1955) and The Kingston Trio’s Folk Songs from the Hills (1959).

The folk music revival was also fuelled by the rediscovery of older performers such as Lead Belly, Burl Ives and Dock Boggs, and by the publication of books such as Alan Lomax’s Folk Song USA (1947) and Irving Berlin’s American Folk Songs (1949). This led to a wave of commercial recordings of traditional songs and new compositions in the folk style by artists such as Odetta, Jo Stafford, Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

The folk revival had a significant impact on popular music, with many folk-inspired songs becoming hits in the 1960s. It also led to the formation of significant folk music festivals, such as the Newport Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

The modern American folk music scene

Modern American folk music is often hard to define. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional songs passed down through the generations to more modern, urban folk styles. It can be difficult to pinpoint the origins of modern folk music, as it has been influenced by so many different cultures and traditions.

American folk music has its roots in the songs of the early settlers who came to the United States from Europe in the 1600s. These songs were often about religious topics or personal experiences, and they were passed down through the generations by people who memorized them or wrote them down. In the 1800s, American folk music began to change as new immigrants came to the United States from different parts of the world, bringing with them their own musical traditions. African Americans also played a significant role in shaping American folk music, particularly through the development of blues and gospel music.

The twentieth century saw a renewed interest in American folk music, particularly among college students who were interested in exploring their own cultural heritage. This led to the creation of new genres of folk music, such as Appalachian or Cajun music. Modern American folk musicians continue to experiment with different styles and influences, resulting in a rich and diverse musical tradition that is uniquely American.

American Folk Music on YouTube

American Folk Music on YouTube is a series of uploaded videos that show various American Folk artists performing their music. The series offers a great way to learn about American Folk music, and it also provides an opportunity to see some of the country’s most talented musicians in action.

The most popular American folk music videos on YouTube

There is a wealth of American folk music to be found on YouTube. From traditional ballads to work songs and Sea Shanties, there are hours of listening pleasure to be had. Here are some of the most popular American folk music videos on YouTube.

The most popular American folk music video on YouTube is “Oh Susanna” by The Roots. This video has been viewed over five million times and features the band playing the song in a traditional style.

“Home on the Range” is another popular American folk song that has been adapted for YouTube. This version by The Okee Dokee Brothers has been viewed over four million times and features the brothers singing and playing guitar along with pictures of them performing the song in various settings.

“The Old Gray Mare” is a traditional American folk song that has been adapted for YouTube by Ralph Stanley. This video has been viewed over three million times and features Stanley singing and playing banjo.

“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” is a traditional American folk song that has become a children’s favorite. This version by Raffi has been viewed over two million times and features Raffi singing and playing guitar while children clap along.

The most influential American folk music channels on YouTube

The term “American folk music” typically conjures up images of artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie. But there’s so much more to the genre than that! In recent years, YouTube has become a hub for all kinds of American folk music, from traditional ballads to modern singer-songwriter tunes.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most influential American folk music channels on YouTube. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just getting started, these channels are sure to have something for you.

The First Folk Revival: This channel is devoted to the “first folk revival” of the early 20th century. You’ll find videos of classic artists like Odetta and Pete Seeger, as well as iconic songs like “This Land Is Your Land.”

Folk Music in America: This PBS channel features a variety of folk music videos, including interviews with contemporary artists and performances from classic acts.

Modern Folk Music: As the name suggests, this channel is all about modern folk music. You’ll find videos from up-and-coming artists, as well as covers of contemporary pop songs done in a folk style.

The New Folk Scene: This channel features videos from some of the most popular acts in the new folk scene, including The Oh Hellos and The Ballroom Thieves.

Folk Alley: Folk Alley is an online radio station devoted to folk and Americana music. In addition to streaming audio, they also have a YouTube channel with live performances and other exclusive content.

The most important American folk music festivals on YouTube

There are many American folk music festivals that take place throughout the United States each year. Some of these festivals are more well-known than others, but all of them showcase the diverse array of talent and styles that make up the American folk music scene.

YouTube has become an increasingly important platform for folk musicians, as it allows them to reach a wide audience with their music. Many of the most popular folk festivals now have their own YouTube channels, where they regularly upload videos of performances by both established and up-and-coming artists.

Some of the most important American folk music festivals on YouTube include the Newport Folk Festival, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and the Old Settler’s Music Festival. These festivals all have unique histories and traditions, and they attract some of the biggest names in folk music from around the world. If you’re interested in learning more about American folk music, or if you just want to enjoy some great performances, be sure to check out these festival channels on YouTube.