Introduction to Folk Music
Here you can find primers and recommendations for some of Folk Music's most prominent genres: Americana, Contemporary Singer/Songwriters, Alt-Country and Bluegrass.
All About the 1960s Folk Revival
For many fans of contemporary folk music, their knowledge of the genre began with a fascination for the style of folk music that was being made during the 1960s. Learn more about this pivotal era in the history of American folk music.
For many fans of contemporary folk music, their knowledge of the genre began with a fascination for the style of folk music that was being made during the 1960s. Learn more about this pivotal era in the history of American folk music.
Anthology of American Folk Music
In 1952, filmmaker Harry Smith released a compilation of field recordings, country blues and folk songs from the 1920s and 30s that became an inspiration for budding folksingers and the movement that followed.
In 1952, filmmaker Harry Smith released a compilation of field recordings, country blues and folk songs from the 1920s and 30s that became an inspiration for budding folksingers and the movement that followed.
Jamgrass Music and Jam Bands
Blending rock, jazz, folk, blues and bluegrass styles, jamgrass elongates the instrumental solos typical of jazz and bluegrass. Notable artists include String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain Stringband and the Grateful Dead.
Blending rock, jazz, folk, blues and bluegrass styles, jamgrass elongates the instrumental solos typical of jazz and bluegrass. Notable artists include String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain Stringband and the Grateful Dead.
Folk on Folk
What is folk music? Why is it important? Does it still exist, or is it something that went away after Vietnam? What artists are inspired by folk music, and who feels compelled to carry on the folk traditions? Here's what some folk artists have told me in interviews as answers to all these questions.
What is folk music? Why is it important? Does it still exist, or is it something that went away after Vietnam? What artists are inspired by folk music, and who feels compelled to carry on the folk traditions? Here's what some folk artists have told me in interviews as answers to all these questions.
What is Old Time Music?
Rising originally from the folk music of Appalaichia, old time preceded the popularization of bluegrass and country music. Now, this under-appreciated style of Americana is making a comeback as young urban bands revitalize their local folk communities with old time tunes.
Rising originally from the folk music of Appalaichia, old time preceded the popularization of bluegrass and country music. Now, this under-appreciated style of Americana is making a comeback as young urban bands revitalize their local folk communities with old time tunes.
Timeline of the Popularization of American Folk Music
When looking at the very big picture, the truth is that American folk music stretches way back to the very beginnings of the country, and recording the date the first official folk song was penned would be next to impossible. What is possible is to talk about how and when folk music started to be presented as a "product" to the American people.
When looking at the very big picture, the truth is that American folk music stretches way back to the very beginnings of the country, and recording the date the first official folk song was penned would be next to impossible. What is possible is to talk about how and when folk music started to be presented as a "product" to the American people.
All About Folk Music
If you're new to folk music as a genre, this'll be a great first stop index and answers to your questions. It can also point you to the basic information you may want to know before heading out to delve into the genre.
If you're new to folk music as a genre, this'll be a great first stop index and answers to your questions. It can also point you to the basic information you may want to know before heading out to delve into the genre.
Oh Dylan, Where Art Thou?
Folk Music today may not look like it did a hundred years ago, or even just thirty years ago, but it’s not the only thing that has changed. Folk is nothing if not adequately commenting on the times in which it exists.
Folk Music today may not look like it did a hundred years ago, or even just thirty years ago, but it’s not the only thing that has changed. Folk is nothing if not adequately commenting on the times in which it exists.
History of Folk
A brief history of one of America's richest traditions.
A brief history of one of America's richest traditions.
Celebrating African-Americans in Folk Music
A brief history of African-American folk music - from the blues to zydeco, jazz to hip-hop, and slave spirituals to contemporary singer/songwriters.
A brief history of African-American folk music - from the blues to zydeco, jazz to hip-hop, and slave spirituals to contemporary singer/songwriters.
Folk Music Pod Casts
Whether you're already an avid ipodder looking to expand your interests into the realms of Folk, or an avid Folk fan looking to explore podculture, this list of Folk-related podcasts should get you started on your way.
Whether you're already an avid ipodder looking to expand your interests into the realms of Folk, or an avid Folk fan looking to explore podculture, this list of Folk-related podcasts should get you started on your way.
Gerdes Folk City
A brief look at the legendary New York City, West Village folk club.
A brief look at the legendary New York City, West Village folk club.
Before You Buy Folk Music
If you're new to this whole folk music thing, check out my basic overall primer of some things to consider before you go out buying random folk CDs.
If you're new to this whole folk music thing, check out my basic overall primer of some things to consider before you go out buying random folk CDs.
Folk Ringtones
Tired of the same annoying options everytime your cell phone rings? Pop and hip hop fans don't have to put up with it, and niether do you. Check out these fun, fabulous folk songs that you can download to your phone.
Tired of the same annoying options everytime your cell phone rings? Pop and hip hop fans don't have to put up with it, and niether do you. Check out these fun, fabulous folk songs that you can download to your phone.
Smithsonian Folkways
An excellent primer on Folk history for new fans.
An excellent primer on Folk history for new fans.
PodFolk
If you're an avid i-podder, check out this fantastic podcast, which features fantastic folk music.
If you're an avid i-podder, check out this fantastic podcast, which features fantastic folk music.
E-Folk Music
Comprehensive guide to all things folk.
Comprehensive guide to all things folk.
Folk Web
Online record store featuring up-and-coming Folk artists.
Online record store featuring up-and-coming Folk artists.
Folk Music Web Ring
A ring of 294 active sites about Folk music.
A ring of 294 active sites about Folk music.
Dirty Linen
Folk & Roots Music Magazine.
Folk & Roots Music Magazine.
Folk Radio
A great resource for DJs and listeners interested in all Folk genres on the radio.
A great resource for DJs and listeners interested in all Folk genres on the radio.
North American Folk Alliance
North America's biggest supporter of Folk music and dance.
North America's biggest supporter of Folk music and dance.