Origins: Various periods, throughout American history
Key Characteristics:
- Acoustic instrumentation
- Traditional song structures passed down orally
- Topical and protest songs
- Emphasis on lyrics and storytelling
- Community-based and participatory nature
Historical Context: American folk music encompasses Native American traditions, immigrant songs, work songs, spirituals, and protest music. The folk revival of the 1960s brought traditional songs to new audiences and inspired original compositions addressing social issues.
Subgenres:
- Traditional Folk: Historical ballads and songs
- Protest Folk: Social and political commentary
- Contemporary Folk: Modern songwriting in traditional style
- Folk Rock: Electric instrumentation with folk sensibilities
Influential Artists:
- Woody Guthrie (Traditional/Protest Folk)
- Pete Seeger (Folk Revival)
- Bob Dylan (Folk Rock/Protest)
- Joan Baez (Traditional/Protest Folk)
- The Carter Family (Traditional Country Folk)
Cultural Impact: Folk music has served as a vehicle for social change and cultural preservation, influencing political movements and maintaining historical narratives.