The Top 100 Folk Songs of All Time
Contents
Discover the top 100 folk songs of all time, as determined by music experts and enthusiasts. This comprehensive list includes both traditional and contemporary folk tunes that are sure to delight any fan of the genre.
Introduction
Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from one generation to the next, and it has been around for centuries. Folk songs often have a special meaning or message, and they are usually about the human experience.
There are many different types of folk music, and the list of the top 100 folk songs of all time includes a wide variety of artists and styles. This list is designed to give you a starting point when exploring the world of folk music.
The top 100 folk songs of all time includes well-known classics like “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan, “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Peter, Paul & Mary. These are just a few examples of the wide range of artists and styles that are represented on this list.
In addition to these well-known songs, you’ll also find less familiar gems like “I Ain’t Got No Home” by Woody Guthrie, “The Streets of Laredo” by The Pogues, and “Stagger Lee” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. These are just a few examples of the many hidden treasures that you’ll find on this list.
So whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music or you’re looking to discover something new, this list of the top 100 folk songs of all time is a great place to start your journey.
The Top 100 Folk Songs
Folk music has been around for centuries and it has been used to tell stories, express emotions, and entertain people. Folk songs can be about love, loss, happiness, or anything in between. They often have catchy melodies and simple lyrics that are easy to remember. If you’re looking for some great folk songs to add to your playlist, look no further than this list of the top 100 folk songs of all time.
“The House of the Rising Sun”
“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, sometimes called “Rising Sun Blues”. It tells of a life gone wrong in New Orleans; many versions also urge a younger person to avoid the same fate. The most successful commercial version, recorded in 1964 by British rock group The Animals, was a number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The song was first recorded by Dr. John Lomax in 1934, when he and his son Alan were collecting songs for the Library of Congress. They heard it sung by a prisoner named Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. In the early 1940s, Rice University musicologist John A. Lomax, Jr., transcribed the song from Ledbetter’s recording and published it in his book “Folk Songs of North America”. The song became more widely known after it was recorded by Woody Guthrie and Josh White in 1947. In 1955, it was recorded by blues singer Muddy Waters; his version inspired Bob Dylan’s first professional recording, in 1962.
“Blowin’ in the Wind”
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and released as a single by Peter, Paul & Mary in 1963. The song became a chart hit for the trio, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1963. In 2004, it was ranked number 14 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
“The Times They Are A-Changin'”
Released in 1964, “The Times They Are A-Changin’” is one of Bob Dylan’s most famous folk songs. The song reflects the social changes that were taking place in the United States during the 1960s. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Cash, and Bruce Springsteen.
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, based on the events surrounding the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. The song was released as a single in 1976, reaching number two in Canada and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Although Lightfoot had wanted to write a song about the Fitzgerald for some time, he did not do so until after hearing about the death of one of the ship’s crew members, Bruce McMillan. McMillan’s body was never found, and Lightfoot was inspired by his story to write the song. He drew heavily from news reports of the wreck and from interviews with survivors and relatives of those who perished.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of Lightfoot’s most famous songs and is often considered his signature composition. It has been covered by several other artists, including Barbra Streisand, Willie Nelson, and Loreena McKennitt.
“The Weight”
The Weight is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson and originally recorded by American rock group The Band in 1968, appearing on their debut album Music from Big Pink. Due to its distinctive vocals and lyrics, the song is considered one of the band’s signature tunes and has been covered by a large number of artists, including Memphisto Jones, Aretha Franklin, Jackie DeShannon, the Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix.
The Weight was ranked 43rd on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. In 2004, it was ranked 75th on Pitchfork Media’s list of The Top 100 Folk Songs of All Time. In 2009, Huffpost Canada Music listed The Weight as the greatest Canadian song of all time.
Conclusion
Folk music has been around for centuries and has undergone many changes over the years. It is a genre that is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. There are many different subgenres of folk music, but the top 100 folk songs of all time represent the best of the best. These are songs that have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by people today.
