The Best American Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

American folk music is some of the richest and most varied in the world. Here are just a few of the best American folk music artists you need to know.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to the medieval period. Folk music was originally created and performed by peasants and workers as a way to express their daily lives and struggles. In the United States, folk music began to take on a new form in the early 1900s. American folk music artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger were influenced by the British folk music scene.

The British Isles

The British Isles have a long and rich tradition of folk music, which has been passed down through the generations by oral tradition. The term “folk music” originally referred to the music of the common people, but now includes a wide range of styles including traditional, contemporary and even modern interpretations.

Folk music in the British Isles includes a wide variety of traditions and styles, from the gentle ballads of England and Scotland to the lively reels and jigs of Ireland and Wales. There are also many regional variations, such as the music of Cornwall or Yorkshire.

Some of the best-known folk music artists from the British Isles include:

-The Dubliners: One of the most famous Irish folk bands, The Dubliners were formed in 1962 and released their first album in 1964. Their repertoire includes traditional Irish songs as well as more modern pieces written by band members such as “Seven Drunken Nights” and “The Black Velvet Band”.

-The Clancy Brothers: Another hugely popular Irish folk band, The Clancy Brothers were formed in 1955 and recorded their first album in 1957. Their repertoire includes both traditional Irish songs and more modern pieces written by band members such as “Barbara Allen” and “The Wearing of the Green”.

-Pentangle: A English folk band who were active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Pentangle are perhaps best known for their hit song “Basket Case” which was featured on the soundtrack to the film Woodstock. Other notable recordings include “Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” and “Light Flight”.

The United States

Folk music in the United States can be traced back to the 18th century, when British and Irish immigrants brought over their traditional songs. Over time, these songs were adapted by American musicians and became unique to the United States. Folk music encompasses a wide variety of genres, from country and bluegrass to blues and gospel.

Some of the most famous folk music artists in the United States include Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. These artists helped to shape the sound of American folk music and influenced subsequent generations of musicians.

The Best Folk Music Artists

America has always been a melting pot of different cultures and musical styles and that is especially true when it comes to folk music. There are so many different folk music artists out there that it can be hard to know where to start. This list will help you narrow down the field and find some of the best folk music artists that you need to know.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin'” became anthems of the American civil rights and anti-war movements. His lyrics during this period incorporated a wide range of political, social, philosophical, and literary influences, defied existing pop music conventions and appealed to the burgeoning counterculture.

Joan Baez

Joan Baez is one of the most influential folk music artists of all time. A highly respected singer, songwriter, and social activist, Baez has been a force in the American folk music scene since the early 1960s. Her beautiful voice and intricate guitar playing have won her legions of fans around the world, and her songs have been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan to The Beatles. In addition to her musical talents, Baez is also known for her commitment to social causes; she has been an outspoken supporter of the civil rights and anti-war movements, among others.

Simon & Garfunkel

One of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time, Simon & Garfunkel produced a string of unforgettable hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Comprised of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel, the duo first rose to fame with their hit single “The Sound of Silence.” Simon & Garfunkel went on to release a number of other chart-topping singles, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “The Boxer.” The duo dissolved in 1970, but has reunited on several occasions over the years for live performances.

The Byrds

The Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) remaining as the core constant member. Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial success of their contemporaries the Beatles and the Beach Boys for a couple of years, the Byrds were one of the most influential bands of their era. Their signature blend of clear harmony singing and jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar defined the folk rock sound of the mid-1960s, and their cover version of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” was a huge international hit, reaching number 1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom in 1965.

The Byrds achieved their initial success with a lineup consisting of guitarist/singer Roger McGuinn, singer David Crosby, singer/guitarist Chris Hillman, and drummer Michael Clarke. This quartet was augmented by the addition of keyboardist Roger McQuinn (no relation to Roger McGuinn) for their second album, Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965). Bassist Chris Ethridge joined the band for The Nazareth Tapestry (1968), but was replaced by Hillman’s close friend John York prior to recording Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde (1969). Keyboardist Gene Clark left during recording sessions for Untitled (1970), and was replaced first by Bryson Bertot and then by Skip Battin. Clark returned briefly in 1974 during attempts to record a reunion album before again departing permanently soon afterwards due to his fear of flying. Battin subsequently became the sole bassist for The Byrds until his death in 2013.

The Byrds’ final album was released in March 1973, with Hillman and Clarke departing soon afterwards to form the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons andmandolinist/pedal steel guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow respectively. McGuinn recruited new members Guitarist Clarence White, Drummer Marty Grebb and Bassist Alan Weiss for 1974’s Planet Waves albumand tour, before White’s untimely death sidelined The Byrds once again. Grebb rejoined The Byrds for two further tours in 1975 before leaving permanently; Weiss also departed following disagreements with McGuinn over musical direction.

With no active members apart from McGuinn remaining, The Byrds effectively disbanded in early 1976; however, they were contacted later that year about performing at Bill Graham’s farewell concert at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on New Year’s Eve 1976 alongside some of Graham’s other favourite acts such as Santana and Jefferson Starship. With several former members either unavailable or unwilling to participate, McGuinn recruited new musicians including Guitarists Gwen Evansand John armsbyoung Drummer Scott Ottmarand keyboard player Paul Griffin to complete The Band line-up for this event; this version of The Byrds also performed together on January 3rd 1977 at another Bill Graham memorial concert at Kezar Stadium also featuring Santana and Jefferson Starship among others

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is a folk rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Graham Nash, English singer-songwriter Neil Young, and American singer-songwriter Stephen Stills. They are known for their harmonies, often unstable interpersonal relationships, political activism, and enduring popularity.

The band formed in 1968 after the two pairs of musicians met while touring together with other folk rock acts. Nash and Young both had current hits with “Marrakesh Express” and “Helper’s Hook” respectively. The four decided to form a new group, despite not having any material ready to perform, and played their first gig at the Fillmore East within weeks.

The band released their debut album Crosby, Stills & Nash in May 1969, which topped the charts and eventually earned a RIAA triple platinum certification. Their follow-up album Déjà Vu was released later that year and featured the addition of Young on all tracks; it went to number one in the US and became another huge commercial success. CSNY continued to tour heavily over the next two years, but creative tensions between members occasionally threatened to break up the group; they did disband briefly in early 1971 before getting back together later that year.

The release of 1972’s Four Way Street was another critical and commercial success for the group, but internal tensions once again led to a split; this time lasting for nearly three years. CSNY reunited again in 1974 for another highly successful tour before Young left the group again in 1975; he would not rejoin permanently until 1977.

CSNY has been described as “one of the most influential supergroups of all time”, as well as one of the most politically charged bands of their era. Although they were often associated with counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, they maintained massive mainstream popularity throughout their career; they are currently ranked 28th on Rolling Stone’s list of “Greatest Artists of All Time”.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris (born April 2, 1947) is an American singer and songwriter. She has released many popular albums and singles over the course of her career. Her work has been honored with several Grammy Awards, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band is known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, blues, country, and jazz. The band was also instrumental in creating the jam band scene. The Grateful Dead has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Future of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s no surprise that it’s still around today. With artists like Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, and Of Monsters and Men, folk music has made a comeback in recent years. But what does the future of folk music look like?

The Revival of Folk Music

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for folk music. This classic genre of American music has been invigorated by a new generation of musicians who are bringing their own unique style and energy to the music.

What is folk music? Folk music is a style of music that is rooted in the traditional music of a region or culture. It is often acoustic and typically features simple instrumentation. The lyrics of folk songs often tell stories about the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The revival of folk music began in the early 2000s with the release of several successful albums by artists such as Nickel Creek, The Dixie Chicks, and Alison Krauss. These artists brought a fresh sound to the genre, while still staying true to its roots.

Since then, there has been a steady stream of new folk musicians making their way onto the scene. Some of the most popular folk artists today include The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and The Avett Brothers. These artists have helped to keep the genre relevant and accessible to a new generation of listeners.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, be sure to check out some of these top American folk musicians. You’re sure to find something you love!

The New Folk Movement

In the 1960s, a new folk music movement emerged from the remnants of the earlier one. This time, the focus was on contemporary issues, and the music reflected the social and political turmoil of the times. The new folk music artists were often protest singers, and their songs were about issues such as civil rights, the Vietnam War, and social injustice. These artists were very influential in shaping the course of American folk music, and many of their songs have become timeless classics.