Folk Music: Five Facts You Might Not Know

If you’re a fan of folk music, you might think you know everything there is to know about the genre. But did you know that…

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s origins can be traced back to the medieval era. It was originally created by the working class as a way to express their everyday struggles and joys. Folk music was later popularized by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Here are five facts about folk music that you might not know.

The British Isles

The British Isles have a long and rich history of folk music, with the first known written reference dating back to the 13th century. The traditional music of the British Isles is still very much alive today, with folk festivals and clubs being held all over the country.

There are four main types of folk music from the British Isles: Celtic, English, Scottish and Irish. Each has its own distinct style and history.

Celtic folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion and penny whistle. Celtic folk songs often tell stories of love, loss, drinking and war. The most famous Celtic folk singer is probably Christy Moore, who was born in Ireland but now lives in England.

English folk music is often more gentle and tranquil than other forms of folk music. It typically features acoustic instruments such as the guitar, banjo and mandolin. One of the most famous Englishfolk singers is Vera Lynn, who rose to prominence during World War II with her songs about love and loss.

Scottish folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the Highland bagpipe and Scottish snare drum. Scottish folk songs often tell stories of heroic deeds or tragic events. The most famous Scottishfolk singer is probably Robbie Burns, who wrote many popular songs about his homeland, including “Auld Lang Syne.”

Irish folk music is characterized by its lively rhythm and catchy melodies. Irish folk songs often tell stories of love, loss or rebellion. The most famous Irishfolk singer is probably Luke Kelly, who was a member of the Dubliners before his untimely death in 1984.

The United States

Folk music in the United States is incredibly diverse, drawing on the traditions of numerous cultures. One of the earliest and most influential American folk music traditions is that of the Appalachian Mountains. This region, which covers parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, is home to a wide variety of musical styles, including ballads, work songs, hymns, and fiddle tunes. Other important American folk music traditions include those of the Ozarks (which span Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas), the blues (which developed in the American South), and gospel music (which has its roots in African-American churches).

The Instruments of Folk Music

Folk music is often known for its simplicity, but the instruments used in folk music can be quite varied. From the familiar guitar and piano to the less common accordion and dulcimer, there are many different instruments used in folk music. In this article, we’ll take a look at five facts about the instruments of folk music.

The Fiddle

The fiddle is a versatile instrument that can be played in a number of different genres, including folk, country, and even rock. Though the instrument has been around for centuries, it has undergone a number of changes over the years.

The word “fiddle” is thought to be derived from the Latin word “fitula,” which means “pipe.” The first fiddles were likely crude instruments made from hollowed-out tree branches. These early fiddles were likely used for ceremonial or religious purposes.

Over time, the fiddle evolved into a more sophisticated instrument. By the 16th century, fiddles were being made with gut strings and wooden tuning pegs. These instruments were used for dancing and entertainment.

Today, there are two main types of fiddles: acoustic and electric. Acoustic fiddles are made with wood, while electric fiddles are made with metal or plastic. Both types of instruments can be used for folk music.

The fiddle is played with a bow, and the player must hold the instrument between their legs. The bow is drawn across the strings, which produces a sound. To create different notes, the player can move their fingers up and down the neck of the instrument.

Folk music often features simple melodies and chords. The fiddle is well-suited to this type of music because it can provide a steady rhythmic accompani

The Guitar

Guitar is one of the most popular instrument in folk music. It can be played solo or in accompaniment to other instruments or vocals. Guitars come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, but they all have six strings. They are usually plucked with the fingers or a pick, but can also be strummed.

The Banjo

The banjo is a four-, five- or six-stringed instrument with a circular body and a neck attached at a right angle. It is played with the fingers and has a drone string that runs along the banjo neck. The strings are plucked with the thumb and forefinger, and the instrument is often strummed.

The banjo originated in Africa, and its earliest known ancestor is the akonting, a three-stringed folk instrument from the Jola tribe of Senegal. The akonting is thought to be the forerunner of both the banjo and the guitar. African slaves brought the banjo to America, where it was embraced by both black and white musicians.

The earliest known reference to the banjo in America comes from a 1761 inventory of estates in Virginia, which lists “one Banjar” among a slave’s possessions. In 1781, another Virginia document mentions “two Banners,” which were likely stringed instruments as well. These early references suggest that the banjo was already being played in America by both black and white musicians by the late 18th century.

The first printed reference to the word “banjo” in America comes from an 1800 song called “Bananza,” which was published in Philadelphia. By 1810, banjos were being manufactured in New York City, and by 1840, they were being mass-produced in Boston. The five-string banjo became standard after 1881, when Joel Walker Sweeney added a fifth string tothe instrument.

The Styles of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is often passed down orally from generation to generation. It is typically reflective of the culture of a certain community or region. Folk music can come in many different styles, ranging from ballads to work songs. In this article, we will take a look at five different styles of folk music.

Traditional

Traditional folk music is the original music of the people in a given region or country. It is often passed down from generation to generation, and has been significantly influenced by the historical, social, and cultural events of its time. Traditional folk music often has a strong connection to the land, and is closely related to the history and identity of a particular region or nation.

Celtic

Referred to as the oldest form of European folk music, Celtic music dates back to the 12th century. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Celtic music to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. The music is often played on traditional instruments such as fiddles, flutes, pennywhistles and bodhrans (a Celtic hand drum). Celtic music can be upbeat and lively or slow and gentle.

Celtic music has influenced a number of genres including country, bluegrass, jazz and rock. Some of the most popular Celtic bands include The Chieftains, Clannad, Danu, The Dubliners and The Pogues.

Bluegrass

Bluegrass is a style of American folk music that was developed in the 1940s in the Appalachian Mountains. It is characterized by fast tempos, complex instrumentation, and high-pitched vocal harmony. Bluegrass is traditionally played on acoustic string instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar.

The music of bluegrass often tells stories about the hardworking people of the Appalachian Mountains. The songs are often about love, loss, and heartbreak. Bluegrass is an energetic and exciting type of music that is sure to get your foot tapping.

The Songs of Folk Music

The music of folk is the music of the people. It’s a genre that’s been around for centuries, and it’s still being created today. Folk music is a reflection of the culture and values of the people who create it. It’s a way for us to connect with our past and to share our stories. Here are five interesting facts about folk music that you might not know.

“The House of the Rising Sun”

“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, thought to be about a house of ill repute in New Orleans. The song was popularized in the early 1960s by The Animals, and has been covered by many artists since then. It is thought to be one of the first folk songs to achieve widespread popularity outside of the folk community.

“Scarborough Fair”

“Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad that originated in the town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The song tells the story of a young man who is seeking to find his true love by completing a series of tasks, or “riddles,” that she has set for him.

The ballad has been performed and recorded by many artists over the years, including Simon & Garfunkel, who had a hit with their 1967 version of the song. “Scarborough Fair” has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the popular British television series “Sherlock.”

“Wild Mountain Thyme”

“Wild Mountain Thyme” is a traditional Scottish ballad that has been popularized by many folk and pop performers over the years. The song is about a young man who is in love with a woman who lives in the wild mountains. He plans to marry her, but she tells him that he must first prove his love by plucking a rose from her mother’s garden.

The young man sets off to find the rose, but he gets lost in the mountains and is never seen again. Some versions of the song end happily, with the young man finding his way back to the girl he loves. Other versions are more tragic, with the young man dying in the mountains and never being found.

“Wild Mountain Thyme” is a beautiful and haunting song that has captivated audiences for generations. If you’re a fan of folk music, this is one song you definitely need to check out!

The Legacy of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has provided the soundtrack to many important moments in history. While it might be easy to think of folk music as something that is only enjoyed by a small group of people, the truth is that it has had a profound impact on the development of popular music. Here are five facts about folk music that you might not know.

The Beatles

The Beatles are one of the most successful and influential bands of all time, selling over 600 million records worldwide. But did you know that they were also big fans of folk music?

The Beatles first became interested in folk music when they met Bob Dylan during their 1964 US tour. Dylan introduced them to the work of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and they began to incorporate elements of folk into their own music. On their album “Rubber Soul”, released in 1965, the Beatles used a sitar on the track “Norwegian Wood”, which was inspired by Dylan’s use of the instrument.

The following year, the Beatles released their classic album “Revolver”, which included the track “Yesterday”, which Paul McCartney has said was influenced by his love of English folk song. The album also featured “For No One”, a ballad written by John Lennon that incorporated a traditional Scottish melody.

The Beatles continued to experiment with folk music on their 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The title track was influenced by Max Martin’s arrangement of a 19th-century military march, while “Within You Without You” featured George Harrison playing sitar and tabla and singing in Hindi.

The band’s interest in folk music reached its peak on their 1968 self-titled album, also known as “The White Album”. The album featured several tracks with a folky feel, including “Blackbird”, “I Will”, “Julia”, and “Honey Pie”.

Despite their love of folk music, the Beatles only recorded one traditional folk song: “Maggie Mae”, which appeared on their 1970 album “Let It Be”.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan, an American singer-songwriter, was born Robert Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. Raised in Hibbing, Minnesota, he attended the University of Minnesota for one semester but left to pursue a musical career. He began performing in coffeehouses and folk clubs in Greenwich Village, New York City. His first album, Bob Dylan, was released in 1962.

Dylan’s early lyrics incorporated the Woody Guthrie tradition of social critique and incorporated elements of Beat poetry. His songs advocated for civil rights and anti-war movements while also creating an iconoclastic persona through his lyrical compositions and stage performance. His most well known tracks from this period are “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963) and “The Times They Are A-Changin'” (1964).

Dylan’s literary accomplishments were recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016. He is the only musician to have been so honored.

Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel are one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. They first gained popularity in the 1960s with hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The duo later reunited in the early 1980s for a concert tour.

Here are five facts you might not know about Simon and Garfunkel:

1. Simon and Garfunkel met in the fifth grade.
2. Paul Simon wrote “The Sound of Silence” after watching a news report about the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
3. The duo’s album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
4. “The Sound of Silence” was originally released as a single in 1964, but it was re-released in 1965 and became a hit.
5. Simon and Garfunkel were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.