The Best Folk Music from the 60s

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

The best folk music from the 60s was a time of great change and creativity. The artists of that decade were able to tap into something special that resonated with the times. If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll want to check out this blog. We’ll be featuring the best tracks from that era, so you can relive the magic or discover it for the first time.

The Best Folk Music from the 60s

The 1960s was a decade of incredible change, and the music from that time period reflects that. From political anthems to protests songs, the music of the 60s has a lot to offer. One of the most popular genres of music during that time was folk music. There were a lot of great folk musicians during the 60s, and in this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best.

The Best of Bob Dylan

Few songwriters have been as prolific or as influential as Bob Dylan, and his best work is some of the greatest music ever recorded. While he’s best known for his work in the 1960s, when he released a string of classic albums and wrote some of the most iconic songs in history, Dylan’s career has spanned more than 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s still writing and recording new music, and his live shows are as popular as ever.

While it’s impossible to narrow down Dylan’s vast catalogue to just a few essential songs, here are 10 of his best that every fan should know.

“Like a Rolling Stone”
Dylan’s most famous song, “Like a Rolling Stone” is a six-minute tour de force that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was first released in 1965. It’s an biting attack on a wealthy girl who has lost her way, with Dylan delivering one of the most cutting put-downs in popular music: “Once upon a time you dressed so fine / You threw the bums a dime / Your came on like a rose in June / Now you’re nobody’s baby now.”

“The Times They Are A-Changin'”
One of Dylan’s most famous anthems, “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is an anthem for social change that remains as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1964. With its simple, catchy melody and Dylan’s poetic lyrics, it’s no wonder this song has become an enduring classic.

“Blowin’ in the Wind”
Another Bob Dylan classic, “Blowin’ in the Wind” is one of his most covered songs (it’s been recorded by everyone from Peter, Paul & Mary to Stevie Wonder). Like many of Dylan’s best songs, it poses more questions than answers, but its message of hope and peace is clear. It also features one of the most memorable opening lines in all of Dylan’s work: “How many roads must a man walk down / Before you can call him a man?”

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
A heartbreaking breakup song from 1963’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” finds Dylan at his most vulnerable. The singer tries to keep his cool as he bids farewell to a former lover (“I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind / You coulda done better but I don’t mind”), but the pain is clear in his voice. It’s one of Dylan’s most emotionally resonant songs.

” Mr Tambourine Man”

One of Dylan’s firstmajor hits, “Mr. Tambourine Man” introduced many listeners to Dylan’s unique style of folk-rock (a sound that would soon be copied by countless other bands). The song itself is a surreal daydream about being transported away from the mundane world by the sound of music (“Take me on a trip upon your magic swirling ship”), and its hallucinatory images have made it one of Dylan’s most enigmatic and beloved songs.

The Best of Joan Baez

Joan Baez is a legendary figure in the history of folk music. Her distinctive voice and guitar style influenced a generation of singers and songwriters, and her commitment to social activism almost single-handedly brought the genre to a mass audience. This collection gathers together some of her best-known recordings from the 1960s, including such classics as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Silver Dagger,” and “Joe Hill.”

The Best of Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the most popular recording artists of the 1960s and became countercultural icons of the decade’s social revolution. Their biggest hits—including “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, and “Bridge over Troubled Water”—reached number one on singles charts worldwide. Simon and Garfunkel released five studio albums, including two gold-certified greatest hits compilations, before they disbanded acrimoniously in 1970.

The Best Folk Music from the 70s

Folk music from the 60s was some of the best ever made. This era gave birth to amazing artists like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Joan Baez. The songs from this time period are still popular today. Let’s take a look at some of the best folk music from the 60s.

The Best of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young is a folk rock supergroup made up of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. The group was formed in 1968 and released their debut album, Crosby, Stills & Nash, in 1969. The album was an instant success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning the hit single “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.”

The group’s second album, Déjà Vu, was released in 1970 and featured the hit singles “Teach Your Children” and “Our House.” The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

The group’s third album, 4 Way Street, was released in 1971 and featured live recordings of their concerts in New York City and Los Angeles. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

The group disbanded in 1974 but reunited for a series of concerts in 1976. They released a live album of those concerts, titled CSN&Y Live at Madison Square Garden, in 1977.

The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Best of James Taylor

As the son of Isaac Taylor, a successful doctor, and Trudy Taylor, James Taylor had every opportunity to be a wealthy man. Instead, he chose a life in music, inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly. He got his start in the 1960s, playing both acoustic guitar and piano in various folk and blues clubs in New York City. His warm voice and guitar skills caught the ear of producer Peter Asher, who helped him get signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records label in 1968.

Taylor’s self-titled debut album was released later that year to mixed reviews. His second album, Sweet Baby James, was released in early 1970 and was an instant success. It reached #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles, including “Fire and Rain” and “Country Road.” The album cemented Taylor’s status as a bonafide superstar and one of the most respected songwriters of his generation.

Over the course of his career, Taylor has released 17 studio albums, including several live albums and compilations. He has won five Grammy Awards and been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Best of Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is often cited as one of the best folk musicians of the 1970s, and for good reason. Her songwriting is masterful, her voice is angelic, and her guitar playing is impeccable. If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to folk music from the 70s, you can’t go wrong with Joni Mitchell.

The Best Folk Music from the 80s

Folk music from the 60s and 80s was some of the best ever made. The music was simple, yet complex. The lyrics were about love, life, and loss. The melodies were beautiful and haunting. The harmonies were exquisite. If you are a fan of folk music, then you need to check out the best folk music from the 60s and 80s.

The Best of Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris is one of the most respected and influential artists in the history of country music. A multiple Grammy Award winner, Harris has been creating music for over four decades, and her work from the 1980s is some of her best. If you’re a fan of folk music from the 80s, then you need to check out Harris’ work from this period. Here are some of her best songs from the 80s:

-“Be My Baby Tonight”
-“Hurtin’ All Over”
-“I Ain’t Gonna Let You Go”
-“I Still Miss Someone”
-“If I Could Only Win Your Love”
-“Oh Shenandoah”
-“To Daddy”
-“Wheels”

The Best of Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is one of the most successful and acclaimed singers in the history of popular American music. Raitt is known for her superb guitar playing, her expansive and soulful voice, and her deep understanding of the blues. She has been awarded nine Grammy Awards, and her records have sold more than fifteen million copies worldwide. Raitt was born in Burbank, California, in 1949. Her father, John Raitt, was a successful Broadway actor; her mother, Marge Goddard, was a piano teacher. Raitt began playing guitar at an early age and soon developed a passion for the blues. In 1967 she enrolled at Radcliffe College, where she studied social relations andAfrican-American studies.

Raitt’s musical career began in the late 1960s. She released her first album, Bonnie Raitt, in 1971; it was praised by critics but sold poorly. Raitt’s second album, Give It Up (1972), was a commercial success; it included the hit single “Runaway.” After touring extensively behind Give It Up, Raitt recorded Streetlights (1974), which featured the singles “Something to Talk About” and “Sweet Forgiveness.” These albums established Raitt as a popular concert performer and a major figure in the revival of traditional blues music.

In 1977 Raitt released an acclaimed live album entitled Sweet Forgiveness; it won a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package. Two years later she released The Glow (1979), which featured the hit single “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The album won two Grammys and helped to solidify Raitt’s reputation as one of America’s premier singer-songwriters. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Raitt continued to release albums and tour extensively; highlights from this period include Green Light (1982), Nine Lives (1986), Nick of Time (1989), Luck of the Draw (1991), Longing in Their Hearts (1994), Drift Away (1995), Fundamental (1998), Silver Lining (2002), Souls Alike (2005), Slipstream (2012), Dig In Deep (2016). Bonnie Raitt remains one of America’s most treasured performers; she is a true icon of contemporary folk music.

The Best of John Prine

John Prine is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of his generation. His songs are often sad, but also funny and full of hope. His best-known song is “Angel from Montgomery,” which was covered by Bonnie Raitt and became a hit in 1974. John Prine was born in MAYWOOD, Illinois, on October 10, 1946. He grew up in a working-class family and learned to play the guitar from his father. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he worked as a mailman for a time before turning to music full-time. He released his debut album, John Prine, in 1971. It included “Angel from Montgomery” as well as other classic songs like “Sam Stone” and “Hello in There.” Since then, John Prine has released more than 20 albums and earned numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.

Similar Posts