PBS Folk Music: The Best of the American Tradition
Contents
PBS Folk Music: The Best of the American Tradition is a compilation of the best folk music performances from across the country.
The Origins of Folk Music
Folk music has been around since the early days of America, and it has its roots in the music of the British Isles. Folk music was brought to America by the early settlers, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. Folk music is a type of music that is usually passed down orally, and it is usually associated with the working class.
The British Isles
The music of the British Isles has been heavily influenced by the music of other countries, especially since the 1950s. American and Irish music have had the biggest impact on British folk music, but there have also been significant influences from the music of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The term “folk music” can be used to refer to both traditional music and contemporary music that has been influenced by tradition. In Britain, folk music has been particularly influenced by the American folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, which was led by singers like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. This revival brought new energy to traditional songs and also resulted in the creation of new songs with a folk feel.
Today, there is a wide variety of folk music in Britain, from traditional songs that have been passed down for generations to modern compositions that are inspired by tradition. Folk music is an important part of British culture, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The United States
The United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and that diversity is reflected in its music. American folk music is a blend of the music of various cultures, including English, Irish, Scottish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, African American, Native American, and Latino/a. This musical melting pot has produced a wide variety of folk styles, from the upbeat country-western of the Appalachian Mountains to the soulful blues of the Mississippi Delta to the lively Cajun and zydeco music of Louisiana.
Folk music has always been an important part of the American musical tradition. In colonial times, folk tunes were sung around the campfire and at social gatherings. These songs were passed down from generation to generation, and many of them are still known and loved today. “Yankee Doodle,” “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain,” and “Oh Susanna” are just a few examples of traditional folk songs that are still popular today.
Folk music saw a resurgence in popularity in the early 20th century, when artists like Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly began performing and recording their own versions of traditional folk songs. The release of Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music in 1952 helped to spread interest in folk music even further. In the 1960s, artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez brought folk music to a new generation with their modern interpretations of traditional songs. Folk music remains popular today, with new artists like Mumford & Sons keeping the tradition alive for new generations to enjoy.
The Evolution of Folk Music
PBS Folk Music is a radio station that has been on the air since 1987. The station plays a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. They also have a website that contains articles about the history and evolution of folk music. In this article, we will take a look at the evolution of folk music.
The Folk Revival
The Folk Revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s brought the music of America’s past to the attention of a new generation of listeners. This revival was spurred on by the growing popularity of folk-inspired music, such as the work of Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly, as well as by Pete Seeger’s influential work with the Weavers. The folk revival helped to launch the careers of many important folk singers, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Odetta.
Contemporary Folk Music
Contemporary folk music is a genre that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is a blend of traditional folk music and modern pop music. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Joan Baez are some of the most well-known contemporary folk musicians.
Folk music was originally passed down orally from generation to generation. It was not until the late 19th century that folk music began to be recorded. With the advent of recording technology, folk music could be preserved and disseminated to a wider audience. In the mid-20th century, folk music experienced a renewed interest from the public. This was in part due to the popularity of artists such as Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly, who were able to reach a wider audience through recordings and live performances.
The popularity of folk music in the mid-20th century led to the emergence of contemporary folk music. This new genre blended traditional folk music with modern pop music. Artists such as Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel were some of the most well-known contemporary folk musicians. Contemporary folk music often includes elements of other genres, such as rock and jazz.
The Best of Folk Music
Folk music has been a part of the American tradition for centuries. PBS has collected some of the best folk music from across the country and put together a great collection. This collection features a variety of artists and styles of folk music.
The Best Folk Songs
Folk songs are some of the oldest forms of American music, and they have been passed down from generation to generation. These songs are a part of our country’s heritage, and they represent the many different cultures that make up the United States.
Folk songs can be about anything, but they often tell stories about real people and events. Some of the most popular folk songs are about love, loss, and heartache, while others are about happier subjects like friendship and home.
No matter what the subject, folk songs are always catchy and easy to sing along to. They’re the perfect soundtrack for a road trip or a summer day, and they’re sure to get stuck in your head!
If you’re looking for some good folk songs to add to your collection, check out our list of the best ones below.
The Best Folk Artists
PBS Folk Music: The Best of the American Tradition is a compilation of the best folk artists from across the United States. This collection features some of the most well-known and respected folk musicians, including Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. These artists helped to shape the sound of American folk music, and their influence can still be heard in modern folk music today.
