The Best of 19th Century American Folk Music

Looking for some great American folk music from the 19th century? Check out our list of the best tunes from that era!

The Origins of American Folk Music

Although American folk music has been around for centuries, it only began to gain popularity in the 19th century. This was a time of great upheaval and change in America, and folk music was a way for people to express their feelings and views on the world around them.

The British and Irish influences on American Folk Music

In the early 18th century, the first American folk music was born from the cultural melting pot of the original British and Irish immigrants who settled in the colonies. From these diverse influences, a new musical style emerged that blended together the various traditions of the Old World. African slaves also brought their own musical traditions to the mix, which further enriched the American folk music tradition.

The early 19th century was a golden age for American folk music, as countless songs and ballads were created during this time. Many of these songs were about current events, such as the War of 1812 or settlers’ westward expansion. Other songs told stories about love, loss, or even death. Regardless of their subject matter, all of these songs helped to shape the American identity and culture.

Sadly, most of the early American folk musicians were illiterate and did not know how to write down their songs. As a result, many of these tunes were lost over time. However, some lucky songs were preserved in oral tradition or published in songbooks. These songs have gone on to become some of the most iconic and well-loved American folk tunes, such as “Barbara Allen,” “Home on the Range,” and “Oh Susanna.”

The African influences on American Folk Music

The music of the United States reflects the country’s multi-ethnic population through a diverse array of styles. It is a mixture of music influenced by West African, Irish, Scottish, and indigenous peoples that were brought over during the colonial era. The first American musics were songs brought over by English, Scottish and Irish immigrants. These songs were generally simple and repetitive, but they began to evolve and change as they were influenced by the music of the people already living in America.

One of the most important influences on American folk music was the music of African Americans. African American music is a product of the interaction between African and European cultures. It is characterized by its use of call and response, improvisation, and a strong rhythm section. This music was first brought to America by enslaved Africans who were forced to work on plantations in the southern United States. As these slaves began to assert their own cultural identity, their music began to influence the music of other cultures in America.

The influence of African American music can be seen in many different genres of American folk music, including blues, jazz, gospel, and rock & roll.

The Development of American Folk Music

The development of American folk music was strongly influenced by the music of the British Isles, Africa, and the Americas.The first American folk music was brought over by English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants in the 1600s. In the 1800s, folk music became more popular with the rise of minstrelsy and parlor music. American folk music continued to develop in the early 1900s with the help of commercial recordings and radio.

The rise of popular music and the influence of technology

The rise of popular music and the influence of technology

The late 19th century saw the rise of popular music and the influence of technology on American folk music. The popularity of the phonograph and radio increased access to music, while new instruments such as the banjo and mandolin expanded the sonic palette of folk musicians. The invention of sound recording also allowed for the preservation of traditional songs and helped spread regional styles across the country.

The influence of the American Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a time of great upheaval and change, not just for the country as a whole, but also for the music that was being created. Folk songs from the pre-war era took on new meaning during the conflict, and new songs were created that would go on to become classics. The folk music of the 19th century American South was particularly influential in shaping the sound of American folk music as a whole.

One of the most popular songs to come out of the Civil War was “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier” (also known as “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”). The song dates back to at least the early 1800s, but it took on new meaning during the Civil War, when so many young men were being drafted into service.

Another popular song from the Civil War era is “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” This song was originally written as a abolitionist anthem, but it became widely adopted by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the war.

After the war, many southern veterans returned home with a new appreciation for African American culture. This appreciation led to a renewed interest in African American music, which had been largely overlooked before the war. One of the most famous examples of this is “Dixie,” which became one of America’s first truly national folk songs.

The influence of immigration and urbanization

During the early 19th century, there was a lot of social turmoil in America. The country was going through rapid changes as it rapidly expanded westward. This expansion was fueled by a large wave of immigrants coming to America in search of a better life. At the same time, many Americans were moving from rural areas into cities in search of work.

All of these changes had a big impact on American music. The influx of new people from different cultures brought with it a variety of new musical styles. And as more and more people moved into cities, they began to develop their own unique style of music.

One of the most important genres of music to develop during this time was American folk music. Folk music is a type of music that is passed down from generation to generation, typically within a community. It is often based on traditional songs and melodies, and often has lyrics that tell stories about the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Folk music played an important role in the development of American culture during the 19th century. It helped to unite different groups of people and to give them a sense of identity. Folk music also played an important role in the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century. Songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” became anthems for the movement, helping to give people courage and hope as they fought for equality.

The Golden Age of American Folk Music

The 19th century was a golden age for American folk music. The country was expanding westward, and with it, the music scene was growing and evolving. New styles and sounds were being created, and the music was becoming more and more popular. American folk music was some of the most important and influential music of the time, and it is still loved and cherished today.

The rise of the folk music scene

In the early 19th century, American folk music was mostly influenced by British and Irish music. This began to change in the 1820s, when immigrant communities from Europe and Africa brought their own musical traditions to the United States. In the 1830s and 1840s, folk music became more popular in America, as singers and songwriters began to create songs that reflected the lives of ordinary people.

One of the most important figures in the development of American folk music was George Thorogood, who was born in New York City in 1811. Thorogood was a businessman and songwriter who travelled extensively throughout the United States, collecting songs and musical instruments from different regions. He also wrote several songs himself, including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”

Thorogood’s work helped to create a new genre of American music known as “folk” or “roots” music. This type of music was based on traditional songs and melodies, but also incorporated elements from other genres such as blues, gospel, and country. Folk music became increasingly popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as it offered a way for people to connect with their cultural heritage and express their personal feelings and experiences.

During the 1930s and 1940s, folk music experienced a surge in popularity due to the work of performers such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and The Weavers. These artists helped to bring folk music to a wider audience through their recordings and live performances. Folk music enjoyed another resurgence in popularity during the 1960s, thanks to artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel. Dylan’s song “Blowin’ in the Wind” became an anthem for the civil rights movement, while Baez’s song “We Shall Overcome” became a symbol of hope for many Americans during the Vietnam War.

Today, American folk music is still performed and enjoyed by people all over the world. Its simple melodies and heart-felt lyrics continue to resonate with people of all ages, providing a window into our history and our shared humanity.

The influence of the counterculture

The folk music revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s brought the music back into the American consciousness, although it had remained popular in pockets of the country. The new interest coincided with the rise of the counterculture, particularly among college students and young people who were interested in making a social and political statement. This was typified by singer/songwriter Bob Dylan, who emerged as one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century. Dylan’s songs, which often dealt with social and political issues, helped to define the spirit of an entire generation.

The influence of the folk revival

In the 1940s and 1950s, with the rise of the urban folk music scene and the popularity of artists such as The Weavers, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, there was a resurgence of interest in American folk music. This renewed interest led to the rediscovery of many older folk musicians, including Blind Lemon Jefferson, Lead Belly and Robert Johnson. The so-called “golden age” of American folk music is typically considered to be the 1930s, when artists such as these were active.

The Legacy of American Folk Music

American folk music is some of the most varied and rich music in the world. It encompasses everything from the haunting ballads of the Appalachians to the lively fiddle tunes of the Louisiana bayou. Folk music has been an important part of American culture for centuries, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The influence of American Folk Music on popular culture

In the early 19th century, American Folk Music was created by musical traditions brought over by British and Irish immigrants. This music was influenced by the music of the British Isles, and it often used traditional instruments like the fiddle, banjo, and later the guitar. American Folk Music was originally used for dancing, and it wasn’t until the late 19th century that it began to be used for entertainment. By the early 20th century, American Folk Music had become popular in Europe, and it influenced popular culture there as well. American Folk Music has had a lasting legacy, and its influence can be seen in many genres of music today.

The influence of American Folk Music on contemporary music

American folk music has had a significant influence on the development of contemporary music. Folk music was originally passed down orally from generation to generation, and was later collected and published by musicologists in the 19th and 20th centuries. The songs of some of the most famous American folk musicians, such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, were widely known and sung by people across the country.

The themes of American folk music are often centered around issues of social justice, as well as the everyday lives of working people. These themes were echoed in the music of the 1960s counterculture, and continue to be heard in contemporary folk, rock, and pop music. Many of the most popular contemporary musicians, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Emmylou Harris, have been heavily influenced by American folk music.