PBS Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music
Contents
Watch a PBS Folk Music Special celebrating American Roots Music featuring performances and interviews with some of the top artists in the genre.
Introduction to American Roots Music
PBS’s Folk Music Special is a great introduction to the various genres of American Roots music. The special features some of the most popular and influential folk musicians of our time. If you’re a fan of Americana music, this is a must-watch.
Defining American Roots Music
American roots music is a broad category that includes a wide variety of musical genres, from country and bluegrass to gospel and blues. It is sometimes referred to as traditional American music or folk music. Although the term “roots music” is relatively new, the music itself is not. American roots music has its origins in the songs and stories that have been passed down through the generations by oral tradition.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in American roots music, and many young musicians are now playing this type of music. Some people see it as a way to connect with their heritage, while others simply enjoy the simple beauty of the songs. Whatever the reason, American roots music is here to stay.
Origins of American Roots Music
Most of the music we now think of as “American” had its origins in the British Isles and in Africa. In the 1600s, English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants brought their folk music to America, and the first American folk music was born. Africans who were brought to America as slaves brought their own musical traditions with them, and the music of both groups began to blend together.
The early American settlers were a hardy bunch, and they had to be. They faced many hardships, including difficult working conditions and dangerous animals. But they also had a great love of music, and they used it to lift their spirits and tell their stories. As time went on, more and more immigrants came to America from all over the world, and they brought their own musical traditions with them. All of these different influences helped shape American roots music into the rich and varied tradition it is today.
The Evolution of American Roots Music
PBS’s Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music is a concert celebrating the evolution of American roots music. The two-hour concert features performances by some of the most celebrated American roots musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Taj Mahal. The concert is hosted by Bill Moyers and is a production of WNET.
Folk Music in the United States
Folk music in the United States is music by and for the common people. It is often handed down orally, through folk songs, folk tales, and folk dances. The term originated in the 19th century, when “traditional” folk music was contrasted with the contemporary music of the time. The first major wave of American folk music occurred during the colonial era and reached its height in the early 19th century with the advent of traditional songs collected and published by such figures as Francis James Child and George Orwell. During the 20th century, American folk music became a major influence on popular culture, leading to such genres as country music and blues.
The term “folk music” has been used in many different ways. In a general sense, it can refer to all traditional music from a certain region or country. It can also be used more narrowly to refer to a specific type of music, such as ballads or dance tunes. In the United States, the term “folk music” is often used interchangeably with “traditional music,” though there are some important distinctions between the two terms.
Traditional folk music is typically passed down orally from one generation to the next and is not formally composed or notated. It includes various types of songs, such as ballads, work songs, love songs, chanties, spirituals, and lullabies. Folk musicians often use simple instruments, such as acoustic guitars, banjos, and fiddles.
While traditional folk music is often anonymous and anonymous musicians are often revered for their contributions to American culture, there have been many important figures in the history of American folk music who have composed or performed their own original works. Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly are two of the most famous American folk musicians who wrote their own songs; other notable figures include Pete Seeger, Burl Ives, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Emmylou Harris.
The Birth of Rock and Roll
In the mid-1950s, a new kind of music was born in the United States, fusing together a number of different styles including rhythm and blues, country, and gospel. This new music, which came to be known as rock and roll, was a major force in popular culture and had a profound impact on both the musical and social landscape of America.
Rock and roll first gained popularity amongst young people in the form of “singles”, short records featuring one or two songs that were played on jukeboxes or radio stations. These singles were often produced by small independent record labels, and many of the artists who recorded them were African American. One of the most important early pioneers of rock and roll was Elvis Presley, a white singer from Memphis, Tennessee who fused together elements of white country music with African American rhythm and blues to create a unique sound that captivated audiences around the world. Presley’s impact on popular culture was massive, and his success helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.
The emergence of rock and roll coincided with a time of great social change in the United States. In the 1950s, America was undergoing a period of intense racial tensions as segregation laws began to be challenged by the Civil Rights movement. Rock and roll provided a much-needed outlet for young people to express themselves and have fun during this tumultuous time. The popularity of rock and roll also helped to break down racial barriers between black and white Americans; for many young people, music was a way to connect with others regardless of race or background.
The Birth of Rock and Roll is just one episode in PBS’s Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music. This four-part series explores the rich history of American roots music, from its beginnings in the 18th century up through its evolution into different genres like country, blues, jazz, gospel, rockabilly, bluegrass, folk, soul, zydeco, hip hop, and more.
The Impact of American Roots Music
PBS Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music showcases the talents of some of the most influential and acclaimed American roots musicians. The two-hour television event highlights the depth and breadth of American roots music through both performance and interview. American roots music has had a profound impact on the development of all genres of American music, from country and blues to rock and hip-hop.
How American Roots Music has Influenced Other Genres
For centuries, American roots music has been a cornerstone of the American experience. From folk and blues to country and rock, American roots music has shaped the soundscape of the nation and influenced countless other genres around the world.
Over the past few decades, American roots music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, as artists from all genres have drawn inspiration from its deep well of traditions. In honor of this rich musical tradition, PBS recently aired a special called A Celebration of American Roots Music, which featured performances by some of the most celebrated artists in the genre.
Among those featured on the program were Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp, country music legend Emmylou Harris, bluegrass stalwarts Del McCoury Band, and many others. Also included was a special tribute to late folk icon Pete Seeger, who was one of the most influential figures in American roots music.
The two-hour program offered a wide-ranging survey of American roots music, from its early beginnings in the folk traditions of Europe and Africa to its modern incarnations in country, rock, and blues. The program also explored how American roots music has been a unifying force for generations of Americans, bringing people together across geographic and cultural boundaries.
For anyone interested in exploring America’s musical heritage, A Celebration of American Roots Music is essential viewing. The program is available to stream online at PBS.org.
The Importance of American Roots Music Today
With the ever-growing popularity of American roots music, it’s important to remember the impact this music has had on both American and world culture. This type of music has its origins in the folk music of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it includes elements of blues, jazz, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a unique blend of musical styles that has influenced generations of musicians and continues to be a vital part of our musical heritage.
americanrootsmusic.org
PBS Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music
PBS’s Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music was a two-hour concert special taped before a live audience at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on February 21, 2001. The concert was hosted by musician and folk music enthusiast Peter Yarrow of the folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary.
What to Expect from the Special
The PBS Folk Music Special: A Celebration of American Roots Music will showcase the diversity of American folk music. The two-hour special will feature performances by some of the genre’s most legendary performers, as well as up-and-coming artists. In addition to the live performances, the special will also include interviews with the musicians, revealing the stories behind their music.
Featured Performers
Joan Baez – Widely known for her contemporary folk music, Baez first rose to prominence in the 1960s with her signature interpretations of traditional ballads.
The Byrds – One of the most popular and influential American bands of the 1960s, the Byrds helped to pioneer the musical genre of folk rock.
Bob Dylan – Often cited as one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century, Dylan is a prolific songwriter whose works range from personal ballads to social commentary.
Peter, Paul & Mary – This Grammy-winning trio was one of the most successful and influential folk groups of the 1960s, known for their energetic live performances and vocal harmony.
Conclusion
We’ve seen some amazing performances tonight, and heard some incredible stories about the music and the people who make it. This has been a celebration of American roots music, and I think we can all agree that it is a truly special and unique form of expression. Thank you all for watching, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the show.
The Importance of Preserving American Roots Music
There are many reasons why it is important to preserve American Roots music. This music is a representation of the American experience, and it can be used to teach future generations about the nation’s history and culture. American Roots music is also an important part of the country’s economy, as it generates revenue through tourism and the sales of CDs and other recordings. In addition, this type of music often brings people together and creates a sense of community. Finally, preserving American Roots music helps to ensure that this unique art form will be available for future generations to enjoy.
