The Best Folk Music of the ’60s and ’70s

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for folk music. From Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell, the genre was filled with incredible artists who created some of the most timeless music of all time.

If you’re a fan of folk music, then this blog is for you. We’ll be exploring the best folk music of the 60s and 70s, and highlighting some of the genre’s most essential tracks. So whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into folk

The Best Folk Music of the ’60s

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for folk music. Many of the best-known and most influential folk artists of all time released their most iconic work during these two decades. From Bob Dylan to Joan Baez to Joni Mitchell, the 1960s and 1970s saw the birth of some of the greatest folk musicians of all time.

Joan Baez

Joan Baez is one of the best-known and most influential folk musicians of her generation. A highly visible figure in the ’60s political folk music scene, she is known for her trademark blonde hair, gentle voice, and social activism. Born in New York City to a Quaker family with a strong musical tradition, Baez began playing the guitar and singing at an early age. She soon started performing at coffeehouses and clubs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she met Bob Dylan. The two would go on to have a close personal and professional relationship.

Baez’s self-titled debut album was released in 1960 and featured traditional folk songs as well as some of her own compositions. The album was a critical and commercial success, helping to launch Baez’s career. She would go on to release many more albums throughout the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, including several live albums and compilations of her work. In recent years, Baez has continued to tour and perform internationally. She has also been active in various social and political causes, including the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the struggle for nuclear disarmament.

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 groups of the 1960s and are best known for their hits “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, and “Bridge over Troubled Water”.

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

One of the most successful and influential folk rock groups of the 1960s and ’70s, Crosby, Stills & Nash are renowned for their intricate vocal harmonies, songwriting prowess, and social activism. The trio first came to prominence in 1968 with their eponymous debut album, which featured the Top 40 hits “Marrakesh Express” and “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” A year later, they were joined by former Buffalo Springfield frontman Neil Young on the classic LP Déjà Vu; the record spawned the Grammy-winning hit “Teach Your Children.” After a period of inactivity, CSNY reunited for 1974’s musically and commercially successful double live album So Far.

The Best Folk Music of the ’70s

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the best folk music of the ’70s. This was a decade that saw the genre reach new heights of popularity, with artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell leading the way. The ’70s also saw the rise of political folk music, which addressed issues like the Vietnam War and social injustice. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best folk music of the ’70s.

James Taylor

James Taylor was one of the most important singer-songwriters of the 1970s. His mellow, intimate style and introspective lyrics helped to define the decade. His breakthrough album, Sweet Baby James, released in 1970, contained the hit singles “Fire and Rain” and “Country Road.” He followed this up with a string of successful albums, including Mud Slide Slim (1971), One Man Dog (1972), Walking Man (1974), and Gorilla (1975). In 1977, he released JT, which contained the hit single “Handy Man.” Throughout the 1970s, James Taylor continued to be a successful recording artist and concert performer. He remains an influential figure in folk music today.

Joni Mitchell

If the ’60s were the decade when folk went electric, then the ’70s were when Joni Mitchell took it back to its acoustic roots. After a period of experimentation with jazz and pop, Mitchell returned to her first love with a string of classic albums that cemented her reputation as one of the greatest songwriters of her generation. Albums like “Blue” and “For the Roses” saw her tackling personal and political themes with an honesty and insight that few could match, and songs like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “The Circle Game” have since become part of the musical canon. With her distinctive voice and guitar style, Joni Mitchell was one of the most influential folk musicians of the 1970s, and her impact can still be felt today.

Carole King

Many people know Carole King as a pop artist, but she started her career as a folk singer. Her album Tapestry, released in 1971, is one of the best-selling albums of all time, but it was her earlier work that helped to define the sound of the ’70s folk music scene. King’s signature blend of pop and folk influences can be heard on hits like “It’s Too Late” and “So Far Away.”