Folk Music Artists You Need to Know About

Looking for some new music to add to your collection? Check out these folk music artists you need to know about!

Introducing the artists

The artists on this list are in various stages of their careers, but they all have one thing in common: They’re making some of the most innovative and exciting music in the genre today. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking to broaden your musical horizons, these are the artists you need to know about.

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
Will Oldham, better known by his stage name Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, is one of the most prolific and respected musicians working in the folk idiom today. In a career that spans nearly three decades, Oldham has released more than 30 albums under a variety of different names and guises. His music is steeped in the traditions of American folk and country music, but he has an uncanny ability to put his own unique spin on those genres, resulting in a sound that is at once familiar and entirely his own.

Anna & Elizabeth
Anna & Elizabeth is a duo consisting of Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle, two young musicians who are reviving the traditional Appalachian art form of ballad singing. Their self-titled debut album was released to critical acclaim in 2015, and they have since collaborated with a who’s who of contemporary Folk musicians, including Willie Watson, Gillian Welch, and Sarah Jarosz.

Khalid Ibn al-Walid
Khalid Ibn al-Walid is a Syrian-born musician who draws on both traditional Arabic music and Western folk and blues traditions. He released his self-titled debut album in 2016 to critical acclaim, and he has been praised for his ” Mesmerizing… Otherworldly” (The New York Times) vocals and his “Exquisite… Incredible” (NPR Music) guitar playing.

Why their music is important

There are many brilliant folk music artists out there who are making incredible music. Their music is important because it is a reflection of their culture and heritage. It is also a way for them to connect with their fans and connect with other people who share their love for folk music.

The history of folk music

Folk music has been around for centuries, with different regions of the world developing their own distinct styles. In Europe, for instance, folk music was often used as a way to tell stories, or to comment on current events. In the United States, meanwhile, folk music was an integral part of the country’s history, with artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger using their music to campaign for social change.

Despite its long history, folk music remained largely under the radar until the 20th century, when it experienced a renewed popularity thanks to artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Since then, folk music has continued to evolve, with new artists bringing their own unique spin to the genre. Here are just a few of the most important folk musicians you need to know about.

The influence of folk music

Folk music has been around since the dawn of time, and it is still as popular as ever. There are many different styles of folk music, and it has influenced many other genres of music. Folk music is important because it is a representation of the culture and history of a people. It is a way for people to connect with their past and to express their identity. Folk music is also a form of social commentary, and it can be used to comment on current events.

The artists’ stories

When most people think of folk music, they think of Bob Dylan. But there are so many other incredible folk music artists out there who have fascinating stories to tell. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of these artists and their stories.

Where they’re from

Most of the musicians featured in this article are from the southeastern U.S., with a concentration in Appalachia. The Appalachian Mountains stretch from Newfoundland to Alabama and are home to a wealth of traditional music. This region has been influential in the development of American folk music, so it’s no wonder that many of today’s most popular folk musicians have their roots there.

The origins of Appalachian folk music can be traced back to the British and Irish immigrants who settled in the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. These immigrants brought with them their own traditional songs and music, which they adapted to their new American surroundings. Over time, these songs and tunes began to evolve into something uniquely American, incorporating elements of both Anglo-Saxon and African-American music. Today, Appalachian folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the banjo and fiddle, as well as its focus on narrative storytelling.

While Appalachian folk music is certainly one of the most prominent subgenres of American folk music, it’s by no means the only one. Folk music can be found all across the United States, with regional variations that reflect the diverse culture and history of our country. So whether you’re a fan of traditional ballads or modern singer-songwriters, there’s sure to be a type of folk music that speaks to you.

What they’re about

American folk music is a genre of typically older songs that are transmitted orally, often within families and communities. Folk music exists in every culture, and it has been around for centuries. It is the music of the people, and it often tells the stories of their lives.

Folk music artists you need to know about come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common: a love for making music that is meaningful to them and their communities. Here are just a few of the many folk musicians who are keeping the tradition alive today.

Mississippi John Hurt was born in 1893 in Teoc, Mississippi. He learned to play guitar at a young age and went on to become one of the most influential blues musicians of his generation. His emotive singing and masterful guitar playing made him a popular performer in the 1920s and ’30s. After considerable success in the United States, he moved to Europe in 1966, where he continued to perform and record until his death in 1968.

Pete Seeger was born in 1919 in New York City. He grew up surrounded by music—his father was a violinist and his mother sang ballads—and he began playing banjo when he was just six years old. In 1940, he joined The Almanac Singers, an activist folk group that became known for their political songs opposing war and advocating for social justice. Seeger went on to have a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter and activist, using his music to promote causes like civil rights, environmentalism, and international diplomacy. He died in 2014 at the age of 94.

Joan Baez was born in 1941 in Staten Island, New York. She began playing guitar at age 10 and soon developed a reputation as a talented folksinger. In 1960, she released her self-titled debut album, which included her renditions of traditional songs like “Silver Dagger” as well as original compositions like “DFW” (a protest song about domestic violence). Baez became an iconic figure of the 1960s counterculture movement thanks to her powerful voice and commitment to causes like civil rights and anti-war activism; she continues to tour and record today.

The music

There are many folk music artists who are making great music. These artists are keeping the genre alive and well. Some of them are even bringing in new elements to the music. Here are some of the folk music artists you need to know about.

What it sounds like

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation orally. It often has a rural or rustic sound to it, and usually tells a story. Folk music artists often use traditional instruments, such as acoustic guitars, banjos, and fiddles. Some well-known folk music artists include Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Joan Baez.

What it’s about

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is often characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, simple melodies, and stories about the everyday lives of ordinary people.

There are many different folk music artists around the world, each with their own unique style. Here are just a few of the most influential folk musicians you should know about:

1) Bob Dylan: Dylan is one of the most well-known and influential folk musicians of all time. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with his socially conscious lyrics and unique voice. Dylan has been credited with inspiring generations of musicians, and his songs have been covered by hundreds of artists.

2) Joan Baez: Baez is another iconic figure in the folk music world. She was highly active in the civil rights movement and used her music to promote social change. Baez’s clear, powerful voice and mastery of guitar earned her widespread acclaim, and she continues to perform and tour today.

3) Woody Guthrie: Guthrie was a prolific songwriter who wrote hundreds of songs about the American experience, including “This Land Is Your Land.” His songs have been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, and he is considered one of the most important influences on modern American music.

4) The Weavers: The Weavers were a hugely popular folk group in the 1950s who helped bringfolk music into the mainstream. They were known for their close harmonies and political songs, and their recordings remain some of the most beloved in the genre.

5) Odetta: Odetta was an African-American singer who was hugely influential in both the folk and civil rights movements. Her soulful voice captivated audiences everywhere she went, and she inspired other black singers like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.

Why you should listen

Folk music has been around for centuries and is a genre that is very rich in history. It often tells the story of the people and the land. Folk music is also very diverse, with many different subgenres. In this article, we will be discussing five folk music artists that you need to know about.

Why their music is important

Folk music includes traditional folk ballads and dances, generally passed down from generation to generation orally. This type of music often tells a story, and is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. It’s the kind of music that you can sit around a campfire and sing with your friends.

Some people believe that folk music is the original “protest music.” Folk songs often deal with social or political issues in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. They sometimes use humor to make a point, or to get people to think about an issue in a different way. Folk musicians are often considered to be the “voice of the people” because their songs often reflect the concerns of regular people.

During difficult times, folk music can be comforting and offer hope. It can remind us of better times, or give us the strength to keep going. Folk music has been used as a tool for social change throughout history, and is still being used for that purpose today.

There are many different types of folk music from all over the world. Here are just a few examples:
-Irish Folk Music: This type of folk music is often upbeat and lively, with lots of Celtic influence. One of the most famous Irish folk songs is “Danny Boy” which has been covered by many artists over the years.
-American Folk Music: American folk music includes both traditional songs and more modern ones with influences from blues, jazz, and country music. Some well-known American folk songs include “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie and “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan.
-Chinese Folk Music: Chinese folk music has a very long history, dating back thousands of years. Traditional Chinese instruments include the erhu (a two-stringed instrument) and the dizi (a flute).

What it can do for you

Folk music has the ability to transport us to another time and place. It can tell stories of love and loss, hope and despair. It can make us laugh, cry, and think. It can provide a temporary respite from the stresses of daily life.

listening to folk music can have a number of benefits for your mental health. For one, it can help to reduce anxiety and tension. Folk music is often slower and more relaxing than other genres, which can help to calm your mind and body. Additionally, the lyrics of folk songs often deal with relatable themes such as love, loss, and family. This can help you to feel connected to others who have experienced similar things.

Additionally, folk music can also boost your mood and increase feelings of happiness. The positive lyrics and upbeat melodies of many folk songs can help to increase your level of happiness and overall sense of wellbeing. Listening to folk music may also help to improve your sleep quality by promoting relaxation before bedtime.

If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your sleep quality, give folk music a try!