Folk Music (42 Artists) 13 of 23 Genres

Folk music are songs originating among the people of a country or area, passed by oral tradition from one singer or generation to the next, often existing in several versions, and marked generally by simple, modal melody and stanzaic, narrative verse. a song of similar character written by a known composer.

42 Folk Music artists within blog:

Afro Soukous. “Rhumba” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/LBB9exySesg) (RQ 9).

Aguilar, Angela (18 yrs old). “La Llorona” (Hispanic) Post 37 (https://youtu.be/h5z99EYHY4I) (RQ 10+).

Ashcroft, Catherine (1988- ). From Halifax, UK. “Uilleann Pipes”(Irish) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/P40YOU8ggJk) (RQ 9).

Australian Aboriginal Didgerido (522 AD). Post 48 (https://youtu.be/nN-542IYoE0) (RQ 10).

Avicii (Tim Bergling). “Wake Me Up” (Irish, committed suicide) Post 37 (https://youtu.be/Ey7D6FVvBNM) (RQ 7).

Banks, Aimee (19 yrs old). From Galway, Ireland“Seod A’Chaoi” (Irish) Post 37 (https://youtu.be/B0h0niz9sYM) (RQ 10).

Kenya Benga Luo. Post 50 (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEA205F532FAD161F) (RQ 7).

Corrido de Juanito (2017). Post 48 (https://youtu.be/pC7a27zE2fs) (RQ 10+).

Canadian Folk. “Breche-Grandir” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/gzi1zFyPuMw) (RQ 9).

Chad Mitchell Trio (1958-1967). From Spokane, WA. “The Marvelous Toy” Post 51 (https://youtu.be/NZeUDAoNrvQ) (RQ 10).

Collins, Judy (1939- ). From Seattle, WA. Inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. “Both Sides Now” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/JYes4Em9u84) (RQ 9).

Croce, Jim (1943-1973). From Philadelphia, PA. Croce, Maury Muehleisen (talented guitarist), George Stevens (comedian), agent Kenneth D. Cortose, road manager Dennis Rast and airplane pilot Robert N. Elliott were all dead, killed in a crash after barely lifting off at the Natchitoches (LA) Regional Airport. Croce was at the top of his career, only 30 at the time. One of several top hits: “Time in a Bottle” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/dO1rMeYnOmM) (RQ 10).

Donovan – Phillips Leitch (1946- ). From Glasgow, UK. A Scottish musician, songwriter, and record producer. He developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelic rock and world music. A great tune of his: “Catch the Wind” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/wgygMF4s-f4) (RQ 9).

Faithful, Marianne (1946- ). From London, England. She achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her hit single “As Tears Go By” and became one of the lead female artists during the British Invasion in the United States. “As Tears Go By” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/-efIjZ_1yQg) (RQ 8).

Feinbier, Hagara (active since 1991). From Bad Belzig, Germany. Participants in her music workshops frequently report how her vitality and openness helped them to (re-) discover their enthusiasm for singing. Hagara is passionate about enabling people to experience the healing power of their voices and encouraging them to sing (together) again as part of their everyday lives. One of her songs: “Navajo Happy Song” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/DkWsToBM-Cs) (RQ 8).

Gaga Lu (Japan). “Flute & Drums” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/QRZ1eNlzhoA) (RQ 7).

Garnett, Gale (1942- ). A New Zealand–born Canadian singer best known in the United States for her self-penned, Grammy-winning folk hit “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine.” Post 35 (https://youtu.be/csWk7wu0iP4) (RQ 10). Garnett has since carved out a career as an author and actress.

German-Polish Polka (Greatest Hits). 10 tracks. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/e-dzXXClhwI) (RQ 8).

Grateful Dead (1965-1995). From Palo Alto, CA. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and roll, gospel, reggae, world music, and psychedelia; for live performances of lengthy instrumental jams that typically incorporated modal and tonal improvisation. A sample: “Uncle John’s Band” Post 2 (https://youtu.be/TSIajKGHZRk) (RQ 9).

Guthrie, Woodie (1912-1967). From Okemah, OK. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. His most famous tune:“We Shall Be Free” Post 18 (https://youtu.be/tnQGL9H_ioc) (RQ 8).

Hardin, Tim (1941-1980). From: Eugene, OR. He started his music career in Greenwich Village which led to recording several albums in the mid- to late 1960s, and a performance at the Woodstock Festival. He died of a heroin/morphine overdose in Hollywood, California on December 29, 1980, at the age of 39, virtually forgotten by the public. “If I Were a Carpenter” Post 51 (https://youtu.be/GRiQ1F0FOTw) (RQ 8).

Hattori, Ryutaro (1900-1977). Japanese Folk Songs. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/DEra35bO7SA) (RQ 10).

Irish Step Dancing. Its also called Riverdance, a style of dance characterized by a stiff upper body and quick foot movements. Combined with energetic movement and elaborate costumes, Riverdance has been wowing audiences for twenty years. There’s a reason why the vast majority of us give up our dreams of “Riverdance” stardom, however. That reason is that Irish step dancing is an extremely difficult skill, one that we’re all not quite talented enough to achieve. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/HgGAzBDE454) (RQ 8).

Japan Fisherman’s Song. In the northern sea, only a board on the fishing boat separates the fishermen from the rough waves of winter. In such severe conditions, the strong fishermen sang the song to keep themselves awake during cold nights. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/j967wyK7-40) (RQ 8).

Joshi, Bhimsen (1922-2011). From Rona, India. He is known for the khayal form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music.“Hindustani” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/lLU5p5u9nWw) (RQ 7).

King, Carole (1942- ). From Manhattan, NY. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential musicians of all time, King is the most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century in the US, having written or co-written 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100. One of her best: “I Feel the Earth Move” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/6913KnbMpHM) (RQ 8).

Latin Mambo (1930- ). Mambo is a Cuban music style that derives from the danzón tradition. In many Latin American countries, the style is referred to as danzón-mambo. Mambo combines elements of popular Latin dance genres with the musical sophistication of the son Cubano genre—the bedrock of the broader musical style known as salsa. Cuban flutist Antonio Arcaño pioneered mambo music in the 1930s. Post 48 an example: (https://youtu.be/3SWZIESB8ko) (RQ 9).

Mento Hill & Gully Rider (Reggae). Is a Jamaican folk song from the 19th Century written about the local fishermen who would risk their lives trying to catch whales. The “hill and gully” part is talking about the waves going up and down. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/tCpTkfYVHpQ) ((RQ 9).

Morocco Gnawa (11th century- ). A body of Moroccan and West African Islamic religious songs and rhythms. Its well-preserved heritage combines ritual poetry with traditional music and dancing. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/bnixGjMhBJE) (RQ 8).

Mayall, John (1933- ). From Macclesfield, UK. The discography of English blues rock musician John Mayall, including the band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, consists of 35 studio albums, 34 live albums, 24 compilation albums, four extended plays (EPs), 44 singles and four video albums. Mayall’s 36th studio album was released in 2019. One of many-many tunes: “Bare Wires” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/UwKfePSvbkY) (RQ 8).

Nilison, Harry (1941-1994). From Brooklyn, NY. His work is characterized by pioneering vocal overdub experiments, returns to the Great American Songbook, and fusions of Caribbean sounds. Like this: “Everybody’s Talkin.” Folk Music. 13 of 23 Genres. (https://youtu.be/BFKDyVPkonc) (RQ 10).

Nordic-Viking. “Folkvanger” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/VHxjyBtKxpM) (RQ 9).

Nyro, Laura (1947-1997). Died at the age of 49 due to complications from ovarian cancer. From The Bronx, NY. Said Richard Williams: “Whatever role Laura Nyro chose to play – earth mother, soul sister, angel of the Bronx subways – she committed to it. With a soaring, open-hearted voice and ingeniously crafted compositions, Nyro transformed a range of influences into her own kind of art song. She made vertiginous shifts from hushed reveries to ecstatic gospel-driven shout-ups with an intensity and a courage that, as Elton John would point out, left its mark on many contemporaries who achieved greater commercial success.” A song example: “Wedding Bell Blues” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/jRhAtCjPGcM) (RQ 8).

Obzesion (2020). Obzesión truly represents the authentic and new Texas sound. “Mi Trokita” (Cumbia) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/BGNVOr-LIGE) (RQ 8).

Peter (Yarrow), Paul (Stookey) & Mary (Travers) (1961-1970). Mary passed in 1972 at 72 from treatment for leukemia. From New York City. The term “folk music” has come to be virtually interchangeable with the group name, but when the words were written, they were meant less as a stylistic distinction than as a mission statement. “Lemon Tree” Post 30 (https://youtu.be/MLhYghzNfII) (RQ 10).

Sabastian, John (1944- ). From Greenwich Village, NY. Is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and harmonicist. He is best known as a founder of the Lovin’ Spoonful, as well as for his impromptu appearance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 and a U.S. No. 1 hit in 1976, “Welcome Back”. Another hit of his: “Younger Generation” (at Woodstock) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/I6U_kJby1Gk) (RQ 8).

Sairam, Aruna (1952- ). From Mumbai, India. Is an Indian classical vocalist and carnatic music singer. She is a recipient of the Padma Shri award from the Government of India and has been elected as Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Academy by the Government of India. Sample song: “Carnatic” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/spRQEectgB8) (RQ 7).

Seeger, Pete (1919-2014). From NYC. An American folk singer and social activist. A fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s, Seeger also had a string of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of the Weavers, most notably their recording of Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene” Other popular songs: “Industrial Ballads” (Peg & Awl) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/U2e7-bkWuyA) (RQ 9) and “We Shall Overcome” Post 18 (https://youtu.be/Kfo_W73n0hE) (RQ 7).

Sheldon, Alysha. “Nights in Mexico” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/3qZ9fwMGc14) (RQ 9).

Spanish Flamenco. “Guajiras” Is a palo based on the Cuban Punto Guajira Cubana. It is in 12 beats and feels like it starts on 12. The guajira is a prime example of so-called cantes de ida y vuelta.The flamenco guajira is the adaptation to Melos flamenco of the Cuban point, the peasant point, a genre that brings together a series of songs called Guajiros that are grown in the rural areas of the island of Cuba. Post 48 (https://youtu.be/hgitRq_0410) (RQ 9).

Spanish Zapotec. “Cabruja” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/1lIDpx5l_mA) (RQ 9).

Steel Drum – Trinidad (1880-1937). From Trinidad and Tobago. The modern pan is a chromatically pitchedpercussion instrument made from 55 gallon industrial drums. Sounds like: “Sugar Bum Bum” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/KMoL_NSZbe4) (RQ 8).

Stone Ponies (1967). From Los Angeles, CA. A folk rock trio formed in Los Angeles, consisting of Linda Ronstadt on vocals, Bobby Kimmel on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Kenny Edwards on lead guitar. “Different Drum” (https://youtu.be/w9qsDgA1q8Y) (RQ 9).

Tanya, Demagh. “Belly Dance” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/qdUKo3SU7g0) (RQ 7).

The Kingston Trio (1957-1967). From Palo Alto, CA. They would become one of the nation’s most popular bands, releasing five Number One albums, including a span in 1959 when four of the albums in the Top 10 belonged to the Kingston Trio. Bob Shane died in 2020 at 85 years old. The other two members (Nick Reynolds and Dave Guard) passed away previously. One if their many hits: “Tom Dooley” Post 33 (https://youtu.be/I8grIno58BM) (RQ 9).

Trinidad & Tobago. Example song: “Calypso” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/wRO3Jf1wF1k) (RQ 9).

Zouglou Petit. “Mix” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/PutvygztzX0) (RQ 9).