The American Folk Music Revival

The American Folk Music Revival was a movement in the 1940s and 1950s that gathered momentum as the nation became increasingly interested in the roots of its music.

The Origins of the Revival

The American Folk Music Revival was a phenomenon in the United States that began during the 1940s and peaked in popularity in the mid-1960s. It brought traditional folk music and artists to a wider audience, and produced new stars like Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, The Weavers, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.

In general, the Revival encompass three distinct phases. The first phase began in the 1940s with a focus on bringing awareness to already existing recordings of traditional music. This was done largely through compilation albums such as Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music (1952), which included songs dating back to the 1920s. The second phase took place in the 1950s and 1960s and involved new recordings of traditional music by artists such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and The Weavers, as well as a new wave of folk-influenced pop artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. The third phase began in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a focus on traditional music from around the world. This led to an increase in popularity for artists such as Ravi Shankar and Nicolás Guillén Landrián.

Despite its widespread appeal, the American Folk Music Revival was not without its critics. Some felt that it betrayed the true spirit of folk music by sanitizing it for mass consumption. Others argued that it overshadowed or even appropriated the work of contemporary folk musicians who were creating their own unique styles. Nevertheless, the Revival remains an important part of America’s musical history.

The Main Figures of the Revival

The American Folk Music Revival was a phenomenon in the United States that began in the late 1940s and peaked in popularity in the mid-1960s. Its roots lay in the shared experience of the Great Depression, World War II, and the beginning of the Cold War. The music—often called simply “folk”—was made by singer-songwriters who wrote and performed their own work, sometimes accompanied by guitars or other instruments.

The main figures of the Revival were Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, The Weavers, and The Newport Folk Festival. Guthrie and Lead Belly were both influential musicians who popularized folk songs from earlier generations. Pete Seeger was a central figure in organizing folk music performers and events. The Weavers were a successful commercial folk group who helped to bring folk music to a wider audience. The Newport Folk Festival was an annual event that showcased both traditional and contemporary folk performers.

The American Folk Music Revival had a significant impact on popular music. It introduced new styles of music to a wide audience and helped to launch the careers of many successful musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Simon & Garfunkel.

The Music of the Revival

During the 1940s and 1950s, there was a resurgence of interest in the music of America’s past. This “revival” of folk music was datelined by two events: the 1938 Library of Congress recordings of folk music made by folklorist Alan Lomax, and the 1952 performance at Carnegie Hall by Josh White, Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, Pete Seeger, and Lee Hays. The American Folk Music Revival was just that – a revival of songs, instrumental pieces, and dance tunes that had been passed down through oral tradition from one generation to the next. The revivalists were mostly young people who were interested in the music of their parents and grandparents. They collected songs from books, records, andfield recordings made by professional folklore collectors such as John Lomax (Alan’s father) and Library of Congress staff members. Many songs that had been popular in previous generations were rediscovered during this time period.

The Legacy of the Revival

The American Folk Music Revival was a renewed interest in the traditional folk music of the United States that began in the 1940s and peaked in popularity in the mid-1960s. The roots of the folk revival can be traced to several movements, including the lawless songs of the 19th century, the blues and country music of the early 20th century, and even earlier ballads and worksongs. The term “revival” is accurate in that many of the performers and fans were interested in resurrecting older musical traditions.

The most visible champions of the revival were a group of young white musicians who were influenced by both black and white folk traditions. These artists included Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, Josh White, Cisco Houston, Burl Ives, and Odetta. They were often associated with leftist politics, and many (particularly Seeger and Guthrie) were involved with various labor union organizing efforts. The music they performed was a mix of original songs and traditional ballads, seeped in the influences of jazz, blues, and country music.

While most of the performers and fans came from urban areas, the music itself was deeply rooted in rural America. This connection to “the land” emphasized traditional values such as community, family, hard work, and self-reliance. These values were often contrasted with what was perceived as the rootlessness and materialism of modern urban life.

Despite its humble beginnings—or perhaps because of them—the folk revival produced some of America’s most enduring popular musicians. Bob Dylan emerged from the revival scene to become one of the most influential songwriters of all time. Other artists who got their start in the folk revival include Joan Baez, John Prine, Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, Steve Goodman, Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Arlo Guthrie (Woody’s son), Emmylou Harris, Janis Ian, David Bromberg,, Bonnie Raitt,, Emmylou Harris,, Jackson Browne,, Jorma Kaukonen,, Kris Kristofferson,, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott,, Roger McGuinn,, Richie Havens,, Country Joe McDonald,, Melanie Safka-Schekeryk;; Traffic;; Crosby Stills & Nash; James Taylor; Linda Ronstadt; Jackson Browne; Joni Mitchell;Carole King; Cat Stevens Don McLean (American Pie) Harry Chapin (Taxi) Paul Simon Simon & Garfunkel Bruce Springsteen John Mellencamp Steve Earle Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Willie Nelson Patsy Cline Dolly Parton Emmylou Harris Hank Williams Loretta Lynn Merle Haggard George Jones Buck Owens Johnny Cash Ray Charles Jerry Lee Lewis Elvis Presley Carl Perkins Chuck Berry Bo Diddley Muddy Waters Howlin’ Wolf Jimmy Reed B.B. King Little Richard T-Bone Walker Big Mama Thornton John Lee Hooker