The Best of British Folk Music from the 1970s

A look at some of the best British Folk music from the 1970s. Featuring artists such as Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles.

The British Folk Music Revival of the 1970s

The 1970s saw a revival of interest in British folk music. This was partly due to the work of the Folkways label in America, which released a series of influential folk albums, and partly due to the work of British folk musicians such as Martin Carthy and Ashley Hutchings. The revival led to a new wave of British folk bands, such as Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, who took the traditional folk repertoire and updated it with a more rock-influenced sound.

The definition of British Folk Music

The British Folk music revival of the 1970s was a burgeoning of interest in traditional forms of British music. It saw the formation of new bands, inspired by groups such as Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, which combined traditional folk with rock music. The revival also led to a renewed interest in the work of older folk musicians, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Ewan MacColl.

The definition of what constituted British Folk music was hotly debated at the time, with some arguing that it should only include music that had been passed down orally, while others believed that it could also include newly composed songs in a traditional style.

Whatever the definition, there is no doubt that the 1970s was an important decade for British Folk music, which continues to be enjoyed by many today.

The history of the British Folk Music Revival

The British Folk Music Revival of the 1970s was a musical movement that sought to revive and reinterpret traditional British folk music. The Revival addressed both the rural and urban traditions of Britain, and was led by a group of young musicians who were inspired by the work of American folklorist Alan Lomax, among others. The Revival reached its peak in the early 1970s, but quickly dissipated as its members moved on to other musical genres. However, many of the musicians and songs associated with the Revival have continued to enjoy popularity in the decades since.

The Best British Folk Music Albums of the 1970s

The 1970s was a great decade for British folk music, with many classic albums being released. Here are some of the best British folk music albums of the 1970s.

Sandy Denny – The North Star Grassman and the Ravens

Sandy Denny’s second album proper is a masterpiece of British folk-rock, as rich and textured as anything released during the genre’s heyday. Denny’s English folk roots are very much in evidence on The North Star Grassman and the Ravens, with traditional tunes like “The Python” sitting alongside original compositions like the title track, all delivered in Denny’s lilting, beautiful voice. Lions is another standout, a gorgeous ballad that would become one of Denny’s best-loved songs, while Who Knows Where the Time Goes is a timeless classic that has been covered by everyone from Judy Collins to Nina Simone. With its blend of folk, rock, and pop sensibilities, The North Star Grassman and the Ravens is a truly essential album for any fan of British folk music.

Fairport Convention – Liege and Lief

Released in early 1970, Liege and Lief was the fifth album from British folk group Fairport Convention and is widely considered their best. The album is notable for its electric-folk sound, which at the time was quite groundbreaking. It features several well-known traditional folk songs like “The Battle of the Somme” and “Matty Groves,” both of which have been covered by many other artists over the years.

Steeleye Span – Hark! The Village Wait

This album was released in 1970 by the British folk rock band Steeleye Span. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, and received critical acclaim from music critics. This is the band’s second studio album and features their hit single “All Around My Hat”.

Pentangle – Sweet Child

Pentangle was one of the most popular British folk music groups of the 1970s. Their debut album, Sweet Child, was released in 1968 and became an instant classic. The album included traditional folk songs as well as original compositions, and featured the group’s signature sound: a mix of acoustic and electric instruments with tight vocal harmonies.

Richard and Linda Thompson – I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight

Richard and Linda Thompson’s I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight is often cited as one of the best British folk music albums of the 1970s. Released in 1974, the album features some of the Thompson’s most iconic songs, including “Calvary Cross” and “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight.”

The Legacy of the British Folk Music Revival of the 1970s

The British Folk music revival of the 1970s was a time when the genre began to gain popularity again. This was in part due to the work of a few key artists who helped to bring folk music back into the mainstream. These artists included Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, and Bert Jansch. The revival also led to a new wave of folk clubs and festivals which helped to promote the genre.

The influence of the Revival on contemporary Folk Music

The 1970s saw a resurgence in interest in traditional British folk music, which had been largely overshadowed by other genres in the previous decades. The folk revival of the 1970s was led by a new generation of musicians who were influenced by the early pioneers of the folk revival of the 1960s, such as Bert Jansch and Fairport Convention. These new performers helped to reintroduce traditional folk songs and tunes to a wider audience and also gave rise to a new style of folk music that was influenced by contemporary pop and rock.

The legacy of the British folk revival of the 1970s can still be seen in the work of contemporary folk musicians such as Eliza Carthy and Kate Rusby. The revival also had an impact onrock bands such as Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, who began to incorporated elements of traditional folk music into their own work.

The influence of the Revival on popular music

While the British Folk Revival of the 1970s is often thought of as a time when traditional music was rediscovered and popularized by a new generation, it also had a significant impact on the development of popular music. Many of the artists who were part of the Revival, such as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and Pentangle, went on to influence subsequent generations of musicians with their unique blend of folk, rock, and traditional music.

Today, the legacy of the British Folk Revival can be heard in the work of many popular artists who have been influenced by its sound and style. These artists range from folk-rock legends like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to modern-day performers like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. Even pop stars like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran have been known to incorporate elements of folk music into their work.

The British Folk Revival of the 1970s was a watershed moment in the history of popular music, and its influence can still be felt today.