BBC Folk Music – The Best of British Folk

The BBC Folk Music blog is a celebration of the best of British Folk music. From new artist discoveries to classic folk songs, we’ll be exploring the rich history and diversity of folk music in the UK.

Introduction

British Folk music has seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a new generation of musicians taking inspiration from the traditional music of their parents and grandparents.

The BBC has been at the forefront of this revival, with its radio programmes and live events showcasing the very best of British Folk music.

This compilation album brings together some of the finest moments from BBC Folk programmes over the past few years, featuring both established artists and exciting new talents.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the very best of British Folk music!

What is folk music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation, and often reflects the traditional values of the culture from which it originates. Folk music can be found all over the world, and often has regional variations that make it unique to each area. Folk music is often used to communicate stories and traditions, and is sometimes used as a form of protest or social commentary.

The history of folk music in Britain

Folk music has been a part of British culture for centuries. It is often seen as a symbol of the country’s heritage, and is still enjoyed by many people today.

The first recordings of folk music in Britain were made in the late nineteenth century, when collectors such as Cecil Sharp began to document the songs and dances of rural communities. This work helped to preserve traditional folk music, which was in danger of being lost as younger generations moved to cities and adopted new styles of music.

During the twentieth century, folk music underwent something of a revival. Musicians such as Ewan MacColl and A. L. Lloyd helped to popularise the genre, and it enjoyed a new wave of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to acts like Fairport Convention and Pentangle.

Today, folk music is once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Artists such as Eliza Carthy and Seth Lakeman are keeping the tradition alive, while new festivals such as Celtic Connections provide a showcase for both established and up-and-coming talent.

The folk music revival

The folk music revival was a phenomenon that occurred in the United States and the United Kingdom in the middle of the 20th century. It was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of pop music. Folk music was seen as a way to preserve the traditions and culture of rural communities that were being lost.

The revival began in the 1920s with groups like The Skillet Lickers and The Carter Family. In the 1940s, Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly popularized folk music with their songs about the working class. In the 1950s, The Weavers had hits with folk songs like “Goodnight, Irene” and “On Top of Old Smokey”. In 1957, Odetta released her album Odetta Sings Folk Songs, which featured traditional songs like “Midnight Special” and “John Henry”.

In 1961, Bob Dylan released his debut album Bob Dylan, which featured folk songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin'”. This album helped to spark the folk music revival of the 1960s. Other artists who were part of this revival include Joan Baez, Townes Van Zandt, Judy Collins, Steve Goodman, John Prine, and Kris Kristofferson.

The best of British folk music

BBC Folk Music – The Best of British Folk is an album that was released in 1977 by BBC Records. The album features a selection of tracks that were recorded by the BBC during the 1960s and 1970s, featuring some of the most popular and influential folk musicians of the time. The album includes tracks from Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Pentangle, and many other well-known folk groups.

Conclusion

British folk music has a long and rich history, and has been traditionally been associated with the working classes. In recent years, however, it has undergone something of a revival, with a new generation of folk musicians taking influence from both traditional and contemporary styles.

The BBC Folk Music – The Best of British Folk collection celebrates this revival, showcasing some of the finest folk artists working in the UK today. From the beautifully delicate sounds of Coven to the rousing anthems of The Levellers, this compilation brings together the best of British folk music for your enjoyment.