Folk Music
Folk music includes traditional folk music and the genre that evolved from it during the 20th-century folk revival. Traditional folk music has been defined in various ways: as music transmitted orally, music with unknown composers, or music performed by custom over a long period of time.
Origins & History
Folk music encompasses traditional music from cultures worldwide. The American folk revival of the 1940s-60s popularized artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Contemporary folk continues the tradition with singer-songwriters and acoustic-based music emphasizing storytelling.
Global (traditional), US/UK (revival)
Traditional (ancient), Revival (1940s-1960s)
Musical Characteristics
- •Acoustic instrumentation
- •Storytelling and narrative lyrics
- •Simple melodies and harmonies
- •Cultural and historical themes
- •Oral tradition and communal participation
- •Emphasis on authenticity
Subgenres
Contemporary folk
Americana
Indie folk
Celtic folk
Traditional folk
Protest music
Related Genres
Folk Music Songs
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