PBS Folk Music: The Best of the Genre

If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll want to check out this blog post from PBS. It highlights some of the best folk musicians around, and provides links to their music.

What is folk music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. It often has roots in the music of a particular region or culture, and it is usually performed acoustic instruments. Folk music can be found all over the world, and it often has Influences from other genres of music, such as pop, rock, and blues.

The history of folk music

Folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. The genre has its roots in the music of the British Isles, but it has also been influenced by the music of other cultures. Folk music is typically acoustic, and it often tells stories about the lives of ordinary people.

The term “folk music” was first coined in the 19th century, but the genre has undergone many changes since then. In the 20th century, folk music was revitalized by artists like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. Today, there are many different styles of folk music, from traditional to contemporary.

If you’re looking to explore the folk genre, start with some of the classic artists below. These artists helped to define what folk music is today.

The different types of folk music

Folk music comes in many different forms. The United States is home to a wide variety of folk music, including country, bluegrass, and folk rock. Folk music can be divided into several different genres, each with its own unique history and style.

Country folk music is a genre that is typically associated with the American South. Country folk music has its roots in the folk music of the British Isles, and it was brought to the United States by immigrants who settled in the American colonies. Country folk music is characterized by its simple melodies and basic chord progressions. This type of folk music is often played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles.

Bluegrass is a type of country folk music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States. Bluegrass is characterized by its fast tempos and complex chord progressions. It is typically played on acoustic stringed instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. Bluegrass often features elements of blues and jazz.

Folk rock is a type of folk music that combines elements of rock music with traditional folk musical styles. Folk rock was developed in the 1960s by artists who were looking for a way to make folk music more relevant to contemporary audiences. Folk rock bands typically use electric instruments, such as guitars, keyboards, and drums, in addition to traditional acoustic instruments.

The best folk music of all time

Folk music has been around for centuries and has been used to tell stories, express emotions, and traditionally, to pass down history from one generation to the next. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in folk music, both old and new. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk songs or looking for something new, there’s something for everyone in this genre.

PBS Folk Music is a great resource for finding the best folk music of all time. From classic artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to contemporary performers like Natalie Merchant and Ani DiFranco, PBS Folk Music has something for everyone. You can browse by artist, album, or genre, and you can even listen to some of the tracks before you buy them.

If you’re new to folk music or just looking for some good recommendations, PBS Folk Music is a great place to start. With so many great artists and albums to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you’ll love.

The greatest folk musicians of all time

There are so many great folk musicians out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Fear not! This guide will help you find the best of the best, whether you’re looking for traditional folk songs or more modern takes on the genre.

Traditional folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, so it can be hard to pinpoint its origins. Nevertheless, there are a few key figures who have helped shape the genre as we know it today. Woody Guthrie is one of the most famous folk musicians of all time; his songs often dealt with political and social issues, and he was a major influence on young Bob Dylan. Another influential figure is Pete Seeger, who was a member of The Weavers, a renowned folk group known fortheir powerful vocal harmonies. Seeger also wrote or co-wrote some of the most iconic folk songs of all time, including “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”

Of course, no discussion of folk music would be complete without mention of Joan Baez. Baez was one of the most popular folksingers of the 1960s, known for her beautiful voice and her commitment to social justice. She was closely associated with Dylan early on in his career, and she helped bring attention to his work by performing his songs at her concerts. Her own work includes classic tracks like “We Shall Overcome” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”

These are just a few of the many great folk musicians out there; there are too many to name them all! If you’re interested in exploring this genre further, why not start with some of these essential artists?

The most influential folk music of all time

PBS Folk Music: The Best of the Genre is a documentary that explores the most influential folk music of all time. Featuring both contemporary and traditional folk artists, the film highlights the music’s ability to inspire social change and unity. PBS Folk Music is an excellent introduction to the genre for both longtime fans and those just discovering its power.

The best folk music festivals in the world

There are many great folk music festivals around the world that showcase the best of the genre. Here are some of the most popular:

-The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, USA is one of the most famous folk music festivals in the world. It was founded in 1959 by Pete Seeger and has been running ever since.

-The Cambridge Folk Festival in Cambridge, England is another well-known event that has been running since 1965.

-The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Winnipeg, Canada is a hugely popular annual event that attracts folk fans from all over the world.

-The National Folk Festival in Launceston, Tasmania is one of Australia’s premier folk music events.

These are just some of the great folk music festivals that are held every year. If you love folk music, be sure to check out one of these events!

The best folk music venues in the world

There are many great folk music venues around the world, but some are truly exceptional. Here are a few of the best:

The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island is one of the oldest and most iconic folk festivals in existence. It has been held annually since 1959 and draws some of the biggest names in folk music today.

The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, New York is another top festival, and has been held annually since 1984. It attracts some of the best bluegrass musicians from around the world and is a must-attend event for any fan of the genre.

For a more intimate experience, check out The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This folk music venue has been operating since 1965 and has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Jason Isbell. If you’re looking for a place to see some great folk music up close and personal, this is the place for you.

The best folk music radio stations

There are many great radio stations that play folk music from around the world. Whether you are looking for traditional ballads or modern interpretations of the genre, there is sure to be a station that suits your taste.

Some of the best folk music radio stations include:

– NPR: Folk Alley
– BBC Radio 2: The Folk Show
– SiriusXM: The Village
– WFUV: Ceol na nGael
– WGBH: Celtic Sojourn

The best folk music websites

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll want to check out these websites. From traditional ballads to modern interpretations, these sites have the best folk music around.

FolkAlley.com is a great website for streaming folk music from all over the world. You can also find album reviews, artist interviews, and concert listings on the site.

The Folk Music section of NPR.org is a great place to find news and features about the genre. You can also listen to weekly radio programs like Folk Front Row and All Songs Considered.

The Smithsonian Folkways website is a treasure trove of information about folk music from around the world. You can find articles, recordings, videos, and more on the site.