The Best of Mormon Folk Music

Looking for some great Mormon folk music? Check out our blog for the best Mormon folk musicians and bands around!

Introduction to Mormon Folk Music

Mormon Folk music is the music created by the Mormon people. It is a unique blend of traditional folk music and religious music. Mormon Folk music has its roots in the early days of the Mormon Church, when Church members would gather together and sing religious songs.

What is Mormon Folk Music?

Mormon folk music is a genre of music that is typically created and performed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It is often characterized by its focus on religious themes, particularly those from the Latter-day Saint scriptures, as well as traditional folk influences. Mormon folk music has a long history, dating back to the early days of the LDS Church in the nineteenth century. In recent years, it has seen something of a resurgence, with many new artists emerging on the scene and bringing fresh perspectives to the genre.

The History of Mormon Folk Music

Mormon folk music is the traditional music of the Mormon people, a religious group originating in the United States. Mormons have a long history of writing and performing their own folk music, which reflects their unique religious beliefs and cultural heritage.

Mormon folk music can be divided into two broad categories: songs about Mormonism itself, and more secular folk songs about love, crime, work, and other topics. Mormon-themed songs include hymns, spirituals, anthems, patriotic songs, and testimonies of faith. Mormon folk songs about secular topics include ballads about frontier life, love stories, dance tunes, work songs, and humorous ditties.

The first Mormon folk song was likely “My Giant Gingerbread Man” written by W. W. Phelps in 1816. Phelps was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and he wrote many of the movement’s first hymns. In the early 20th century, Presbyterian minister James Reavis collected and published a number of Mormon folk songs in his book The Songs of the Latter-day Saints (1908). Reavis’ work helped to preserve many early Mormon folk songs that might otherwise have been lost.

Many Mormon folk songs were collected in the 1930s by John Lomax and Alan Lomax as part of the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center’s “American Folk Songs” project. These songs were recorded on field trips to Utah and elsewhere in the American West. The resulting collection includes both religious and secular Mormon folk songs, as well as a number of children’s games and other types of folklore.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Mormon folk music with a number of new collections being published. This renewed interest has helped to preserve this important part of American cultural heritage for future generations.

The Best of Mormon Folk Music

Mormon folk music is the traditional music of the Mormon people. It is a mixture of European, Native American, and African musical traditions. The music is typically based on religious themes and is very family-oriented. Mormon folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it is a significant part of Mormon culture.

The Best Mormon Folk Songs

The Mormon folk music scene is rich and varied, with many different styles and genres represented. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best Mormon folk songs, both traditional and contemporary.

Traditional Mormon Folk Songs
“Come, Come, Ye Saints” – This classic Mormon folk song was written in 1846 by Mormon pioneer William Clayton. It is a tender and beautiful hymn that celebrates the faith and endurance of the early Mormon pioneers.

“Oh My Darling, Clementine” – This well-known folk song was adapted by Mormons in the 19th century and has been a staple of the Mormon folk music scene ever since. It is a cheerful and upbeat tune that tells the story of a young girl who is lost in the mountains and found again by her father.

“I Am a Child of God” – This simple but powerful hymn was written by Emmy Lou Gates in 1968. It is a declaration of faith and love that has resonated with Mormons for generations.

Contemporary Mormon Folk Songs
“The Middle Ground” – This song was written by contemporary Mormon singer-songwriter David Archuleta. It is a thought-provoking song about finding common ground with others, regardless of our differences.

“Home By Another Way” – This beautiful song was written by popular Mormon artist Julie de Azevedo Hanks. It is a moving Christmas song about the journey home that we all must take, both physically and spiritually.

“Come Away With Me” – This sweet love song was written by Emily Moon, another popular contemporary Mormon folk artist. It is a Song about being drawn to someone else and wanting to spend eternity with them.

The Best Mormon Folk Artists

Mormon folk music has its roots in the 19th century, when Mormon pioneers settled in the American West. The genre is known for its simple melodies and harmonious vocals, as well as its focus on religious themes. Mormon folk music was used as a way to teach religious doctrine to the early Mormons, and many of the songs remain popular today.

Some of the best-known Mormon folk artists include Eliza R. Snow, W. W. Phelps, Parley P. Pratt, and Brigham Young. These artists created many of the earliest and most popular Mormon folk songs, which are still sung by Mormons today. Mormon folk music is an important part of the Latter-day Saint musical tradition, and it continues to be enjoyed by Mormons and non-Mormons alike.

Conclusion

After weeks of research, listening to dozens of different folk groups, and careful consideration, I have come to my top three favorite Mormon folk music groups. They are The Balladbotts, The Bluegrass Prophets, and The Country Mormons. Each group has their own unique style that sets them apart from the rest.

The Future of Mormon Folk Music

The future of Mormon folk music is likely to be a continuation of the past, with a few new twists. The most obvious new twist is the increasing popularity of Contemporary Mormon Folk (CMF) artists such as Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Jenny Oaks Baker, and the Osmonds. While these artists are incorporating more modern sounds and instruments into their music, they are still maintaining the distinctly Mormon themes and messages that have always been a part of the genre.

Another new development in Mormon folk music is the increasing popularity of international LDS artists such as Alexander Vassiliev and Michael McLean. These artists are bringing a fresh perspective to the genre by infusing it with elements of their own cultures. This trend is likely to continue as the Church continues to grow globally.

Finally, it is worth noting that Mormon folk music has always been evolving and changing. As new generations of Mormons come of age, they are inevitably going to put their own spin on this beloved genre of music. The future of Mormon folk music is sure to be an exciting one!