The Best of USA Folk Music

A blog dedicated to the best of USA folk music. Find new artists, bands, and musicians playing a variety of folk genres.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Origins

The folk music of the United States reflects the multi-ethnic influences that have shaped the country. It is a mixture of music from England, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Africa, and other countries and cultures.

The term “folk music” can be used to refer to a wide variety of musical genres, including bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and even some forms of rock ‘n’ roll. The roots of American folk music can be traced back to the songs and ballads that were brought over by British and Irish immigrants in the 1600s and 1700s. These songs were often about everyday people and their experiences.

Over time, American folk music has evolved to reflect the diverse culture of the United States. Today, there are many different styles of folk music being created by musicians all across the country.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Styles

USA folk music has its roots in the music of the British Isles, but it has developed its own distinctive style over the years. There are many different types of folk music, from the traditional folk songs of the Appalachians to the modern folk-rock of Bob Dylan.

The most common type of folk music in the United States is probably country blues, which originated in the American South. This style of music is typically characterised by its simple melodies and lyrics, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the banjo and guitar.

Another popular type of folk music is gospel, which is often associated with African American churches. Gospel music typically features strong vocal harmonies and religious lyrics, and it often has a very rhythmic sound.

Other popular styles of USA folk music include Appalachian Folk, Cajun Folk, and Tex-Mex Folk.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Performers

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best folk performers in the United States. Folk music has been a part of American culture for centuries, and it shows no signs of slowing down. These performers keep the folk tradition alive with their passion and talent.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Songs

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Songs is a great collection of traditional and modern folk songs from across the United States. The album features some of the best-known and most popular folk songs, as well as some lesser-known gems. The songs are arranged in chronological order, with the earliest song dating back to the early 1800s.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Instruments

To understand folk music, one must first understand the instruments that are used. Folk music in the United States is typically made with acoustic instruments. The most common of these are the banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and upright bass. Other instruments commonly found in American folk music include the accordion, penny whistle, hammered dulcimer, autoharp, and Dobro.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Recordings

USA folk music is a genre that encompasses many different styles and influences. It is a rich and varied musical tradition that has its roots in the music of the British Isles, Africa, and the Americas. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it has been a major influence on the development of American popular music.

The following is a list of recordings that are considered to be some of the best USA folk music. This list is not exhaustive, but it includes some of the most influential and important recordings in the genre.

-The Anthology of American Folk Music (1952)
-The Folk Songs of North America (1959)
-Folkways: A Vision Shared (1988)
-From Sea to Shining Sea (1990)

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Festivals

The United States has a long and varied history with folk music, dating back to the early days of the country when settlers were bringing over their traditional songs from Europe. American folk music has since been influenced by a variety of cultures, resulting in a unique sound that can be heard at festivals all around the country. If you’re a fan of folk music, here are some of the best festivals in the USA that you won’t want to miss.

The Newport Folk Festival is one of the most iconic folk festivals in the country, and it has been running annually since 1959. The event takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, and it attracts some of the biggest names in folk music. past performers have included everyone from Bob Dylan to Emmylou Harris.

If you’re looking for a more intimate festival experience, then you might want to check out The Hungtington Folk Festival in Huntington, New York. This festival is smaller than Newport, but it still offers a great lineup of folk musicians. recent years have seen indie darlings such as Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver take the stage.

For something a little different, why not check out The Station Inn Bluegrass Festival in Nashville, Tennessee? As you might expect from the name, this festival is all about bluegrass music, and it takes place in one of the most iconic venues for country music in the world. If you’re a fan of this genre then this is definitely a festival that you won’t want to miss.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Websites

USA Folk Music is a website that covers the best in American folk music. From artists to bands, to songs and albums, they have it all. If you’re looking for a particular artist or genre, they probably have it covered.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Books

Here are some of the best books on USA folk music, both old and new. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting started, these titles will help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of this rich musical tradition.

-Folk Music in America, Volumes 1 & 2: A 20th Century Revival by Norman Cazden, Herbert Haufrecht, Samuel D. Fradkin (eds.)
-This two-volume work is a comprehensive history of folk music in the United States, from its roots in European traditions to its 20th-century revival. Featuring essays by leading scholars and performers, it’s an essential resource for anyone interested in USA folk music.

-The New Grove Dictionary of American Music, 4 volumes edited by H. Wiley Hitchcock and Stanley Sadie
-The New Grove Dictionary of American Music is the most authoritative reference work on the subject, with over 7,000 entries on everything from bluegrass to gospel to hip hop. If you’re serious about learning about USA folk music, this is an indispensable resource.

-Folk Songs of North America by Alan Lomax
-First published in 1960, Folk Songs of North America is a landmark work by legendary folklorist Alan Lomax. Lomax traveled across the country collecting songs and stories from everyday people, and his work helped preserve many traditional songs that might have otherwise been lost. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in USA folk music.

The Best of USA Folk Music: The Future

In the USA, folk music has had a resurgence in recent years. While the genre has been around for centuries, it has often been overshadowed by other genres such as pop and rock. However, folk music is making a comeback, thanks to a new generation of artists who are bringing their own unique spin to the genre.

The future of folk music in the USA looks bright, with a number of young artists making a name for themselves. Some of the most promising talents include singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy, alt-country artist Sam Outlaw, and bluegrass musician Sarah Jarosz. With their fresh takes on folk music, these artists are helping to ensure that the genre remains relevant in the 21st century.