The Best Christian Folk Music Artists

Looking for some good Christian folk music? Check out our list of the best Christian folk music artists! You’re sure to find something you like!

The history of Christian folk music

The genre of Christian folk music has its roots in the folk music of the United States. In the early 20th century, some singer-songwriters, such as Woody Guthrie and Seeger, began writing songs with explicitly Christian themes. These songs were influenced by the traditional music of the region, as well as by the political and social climate of the times.

Early Christian folk music

Christians in Europe and North America began to develop a distinct form of folk music in the 18th and 19th centuries. This music was based on traditional folk tunes, but with new lyrics that reflected Christian values. Some of the best known early Christian folk songs include “Amazing Grace” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Christian folk music continued to evolve in the 20th century, with new artists and styles emerging. One of the most popular Christian folk musicians of the 20th century was Woody Guthrie, whose songs often addressed social issues from a Christian perspective. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Christian folk music, with new artists creating contemporary versions of traditional songs and writing new songs with a Christian message.

The influence of the British Isles

Christian folk music has its roots in the music of the British Isles. Celtic music, which is indigenous to the region and has been influenced by Christianity, is a major source of Christian folk music. Irish and Scottish traditional music also played a role in the development of Christian folk music. In the 18th century, hymns and psalms were translated into Gaelic, and in the 19th century, Shape-note singing, which was developed in the American South, became popular among British Christians.

American Christian folk music

Christian folk music has its roots in the folk music of the United States. The first American folk songs were brought to the continent by English and Scottish settlers in the seventeenth century. These songs were about everyday life and included ballads, work songs, and spirituals. Many of these songs were used in worship services, and they became an important part of the American Christian tradition.

Christian folk music began to take on a new form in the nineteenth century, when hymns and gospel songs were written specifically for use in churches. These songs often included elements of traditional folk music, such as earthy melodies and simple chord structures. Many of these hymns and gospel songs were based on popular secular tunes, which helped to make them more accessible to a wider audience.

The twentieth century saw a renewed interest in traditional folk music, and many Christian musicians began to incorporate elements of this style into their own work. This new wave of Christian folk music was often more socially and politically aware than its predecessors, and it often addressed issues such as war, poverty, and injustice. In recent years, Christian folk music has continued to evolve, with artists such as Sufjan Stevens and Over The Rhine creating music that is both deeply personal and profoundly spiritual.

The best Christian folk music artists

Christian folk music artists have been around since the early days of the genre. They have often been at the forefront of introducing new sounds and styles to the genre. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Christian folk music, with a new crop of artists making their mark on the genre. Here are some of the best Christian folk music artists currently making music.

Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay is a Grammy-winning Christian rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1995 and went platinum in just over a year, thanks to the smash hit “Flood.” The group has continued to enjoy success over the years, with more than 7 million albums sold to date. Jars of Clay is known for their thoughtful lyrics and melodic pop-rock sound, and they continue to be one of the most popular Christian bands around.

Over the Rhine

Founded in 1989, Over the Rhine is a husband and wife duo from Ohio who create beautiful and introspective folk music with Christian themes. Their music has been featured on NPR and they have released over 15 albums, including their latest, Love & Revelation.

The Innocence Mission

The Innocence Mission is an American musical group founded in 1985 and based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The group’s music has been described as “reflective, introspective, and gently jangly” with “tasteful elements of indie rock”. They have released thirteen albums.

The Innocence Mission was formed in 1985 by Karen Peris (vocals/guitar) and her husband, Don Peris (drums), while the couple were students at Millersville University. The two had met in an English class where they discovered a shared love of literature and music. They began playing together informally, first covering songs by artists such as Simon & Garfunkel and The Beatles.