The Best American Folk Music Radio Stations

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Want to know where to find the best American folk music radio stations? Check out our list of the top stations across the country.

America’s best folk music radio stations

1. WFUV – New York, NY

WFUV is a public radio station licensed to Fordham University in the Bronx, New York City. It primarily airs an adult album alternative format, and is also home to various Americana, folk, and world music programs.

2. WXPN – Philadelphia, PA

WXPN,also known as “The XPN”, is a public radio station broadcasting at 88.5 FM in Philadelphia and serving the Greater Philadelphia region. It is the flagship station for Adult Album Alternative music service XPoNential Radio and the home of World Cafe, a syndicated daily music program hosted by Elvis Costello that originates from the station.

3. KFOG – San Francisco, CA

KFOG (104.5 FM) is an adult album alternative radio station in San Francisco, California, marketed to listeners as “the sound of the city”. The station’s studios are in downtown San Francisco near Moscone Center, and its transmitter tower is on Twin Peaks. It operated under the ownership of Cumulus Media until 2019 when Entercom acquired the station’s parent company; Entercom subsequently sold KFOG to Educational Media Foundation on December 16, 2020 for $10 million dollars.

4. WFMT – Chicago, IL
WFMT (98.7 FM) is a non-commercial classical music radio station in Chicago owned by Window To The World Communications, along with sister stations Classical 90.9 WTTW and jazz-format WDCB 90.9FM – both also licensed to Chicago Public Media – Milwaukee Public Television in Wisconsin and Ravinia Festival near Highland Park Illinois.. WFMT’s transmitter resides atop One Prudential Plaza near Lake Shore Drive and Randolph Street in downtown Chicago; its primary signal offers full market coverage with a power output of 21 kw ERP from 652 ft (199 m) HAAT

The top folk music radio stations in the US

Folk music is a genre of American music that originated in the 19th century. It encompasses a wide variety of genres, including traditional folk music, blues, country, bluegrass, and rock. Folk music has been popular in the United States since the early 20th century, when it was used as a form of protest against the policies of the government.

There are many folk music radio stations across the United States that offer a wide variety of folk music from different genres and regions. Here are some of the best American folk music radio stations:

-WKSU 89.7 FM (Kent, OH)
-WFUV 90.7 FM (New York, NY)
-WFPK 91.9 FM (Louisville, KY)
-WMOT 89.5 FM (Nashville, TN)
-KUT 90.5 FM (Austin, TX)
-WFMT 98.7 FM (Chicago, IL)

The best radio stations for folk music lovers

Looking for the best radio stations for folk music lovers? Here are some top picks:

-WFUV in New York City: WFUV is a public radio station affiliated with Fordham University. It’s known for its eclectic mix of music, including folk, Americana, and world music.
-WXPN in Philadelphia: WXPN is a non-commercial, public radio station operated by the University of Pennsylvania. It’s known for its eclectic mix of music, including folk, rock, blues, and more.
-FMQB in Asheville, NC: FMQB is a commercial-free, online radio station that specializes in Americana and roots music.
-The Folk Show on WFMT in Chicago: The Folk Show is a weekly program that airs on WFMT, a public radio station in Chicago. It features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world.

The best places to find folk music on the radio

If you love folk music, there are plenty of great radio stations out there that can help you stay tuned in to the latest and greatest tunes. Here are a few of our favorites:

-WUMB out of Boston is one of the most popular folk music radio stations in the country. They offer a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, and they also have a strong commitment to local and independent artists.

-WGPR in Detroit is another great option for folk music lovers. They offer a wide variety of folk music, from traditional to contemporary, and they also have a strong focus on local and independent artists.

-WFUV in New York is another excellent choice for those who want to stay tuned into the folk music scene. They offer a mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, and they also feature live performances from both local and touring acts.

The top American folk music radio stations

Folk music is a genre of American music that originated in the 19th century. It is rooted in Western, Celtic, and English traditions, and has been influential in the development of bluegrass and country music. Folk music is often passed down orally from generation to generation, and sometimes appears in written form.

Some of the best American folk music radio stations include:

– WKSU ( Akron, Ohio)
– WFUV ( New York, New York)
– WNCW ( Spindale, North Carolina)
– WMOT ( Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
– KUTX ( Austin, Texas)

The best radio stations for discovering new folk music

If you’re a fan of folk music, or just curious to explore the genre, there are plenty of great American radio stations that can help you do just that. Folk music has been having a moment lately, with more and more artists and bands mining the rich vein of Americana for inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for the latest hits or deep cuts from your favorite artists, these radio stations will have something for you. So grab your coffee and get ready to explore the wonderful world of folk music.

1. WFUV: Based out of New York City, WFUV is one of the most influential public radio stations in the country. It has a strong focus on Americana and folk music, and is a great place to discover new artists in the genre.
2. KEXP: Seattle’s KEXP is another excellent public radio station with a great selection of folk music. They also have an extensive online archive, so you can always go back and listen to something you missed.
3. The Turnpike: If you’re looking for a more eclectic mix of music, The Turnpike is definitely worth checking out. This internet-only radio station based in Oklahoma offers a wide range of genres, including plenty of great Americana and folk tunes.

The best online folk music radio stations

From Celtic and old-time to bluegrass and Americana, these are the best internet radio stations for folk music lovers. Tune in and enjoy.

-Folk Alley: Folk Alley is a 24/7, online stream of the best in folk, Americana, and roots music. It’s commercial-free and programmed by folkDJs from around the world. You can also listen to Folk Alley on your smart speaker by saying “Play Folk Alley from TuneIn.”
-The Midnight Special: WFMT’s The Midnight Special is a weekly, three-hour radio show that features traditional and contemporary folk music from America and around the world. You can listen live on WFMT every Saturday night from 10 pm – 1 am CT, or you can stream it online anytime.
-Music From The Hills: This Canadian radio show features a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, old-time, Americana, Celtic,folk, and roots music. You can listen live on CKUA Radio Network every Sunday afternoon from 2 – 4 pm MT (4 – 6 pm ET), or you can stream it online anytime.
-Acoustic Harvest: Acoustic Harvest is a weekly two-hour radio show that features music from the folk, bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, singer-songwriter, and world music genres. You can listen live on Sundays from 6 – 8 pm ET on WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa, FL, or you can stream it online anytime.

The best independent folk music radio stations

There are many independent folk music radio stations across the United States, each with its own unique flavor. Here are some of the best:

WFUV in New York City is a non-commercial, listener-supported public radio station that has been broadcasting American folk music since 1951. WFUV’s eclectic mix of music includes traditional and contemporary folk, Americana, blues, roots rock, and more.

WUMB in Boston is one of the most respected folk music radio stations in the country. WUMB features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, as well as interviews with folk musicians and live broadcasts of folk concerts.

WKSU in Akron, Ohio is a public radio station that offers a wide range of programming, including news, public affairs, and Folk Alley, a 24-hour stream of Americana and roots music. Folk Alley features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world.

KUTX in Austin, Texas is a publicradio station that specializes in Americana and roots music. KUTX’s eclectic mix includes everything from classic country to modern indie folk.

The Folk Scene Radio Show is a syndicated weekly radio show that airs on over 100 stations across the United States. The show features live performances and interviews with some of the biggest names in American folk music.

The best college radio stations for folk music

There are many great college radio stations that play folk music, but here are some of the best:

– WFUV in New York, NY: This station is known for playing a wide range of folk music, from traditional to contemporary. They also have a strong focus on Americana and roots music.
– KCRW in Santa Monica, CA: KCRW is one of the most popular college radio stations in the country, and they have a great folk music program called “Mountain Stage.”
– WXRT in Chicago, IL: WXRT is another popular station that has a great folk music show called “Folk Festival.”
– WUMB in Boston, MA: WUMB is one of the most well-known folk music radio stations in the country. They have a wide variety of programs that focus on different aspects of folk music.

The best international folk music radio stations

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It often has its roots in the culture and traditions of a particular region or country. Folk music can be traditional, or it can be modernized to appeal to a wider audience.

There are many excellent radio stations that specialize in folk music from around the world. Here are some of our favorites:

Voice of America – This international radio station broadcasts folk music from countries all over the world. You can listen online or on the app.

Radio Mashaal – This Pakistani radio station offers a mix of international and local folk music. You can listen online or on the app.

All India Radio – This Indian radio station offers a mix of international and local folk music. You can listen online or on the app.

Radio Free Europe – This international radio station offers a mix of folk music from countries all over the world. You can listen online or on the app.

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