American folk music revival

American folk music revival
New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: Al Aumuller · Public domain · source
Name	American folk music revival
Stylistic origins	Appalachian music, Blues, Gospel music
Cultural origins	United States, 1940s-1960s
Instruments	Acoustic guitar, Banjo, Fiddle, Harmonica

American folk music revival. The American folk music revival was a significant musical and cultural movement that emerged in the United States during the 1940s to 1960s, characterized by a renewed interest in Traditional music, Folk music, and Roots music. This movement was influenced by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Lead Belly, who were instrumental in popularizing Folk music through their performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and Gerde's Folk City. The revival also drew inspiration from African-American music, Appalachian music, and Cajun music, with artists like Mahalia Jackson, Jean Ritchie, and Clifton Chenier contributing to its diversity.

Introduction

The American folk music revival was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involved a wide range of musicians, venues, and cultural institutions. It was shaped by the social and political climate of the time, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Folk music scene in New York City, and the emergence of Folk rock as a distinct genre. Key figures like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary played important roles in popularizing the revival, while events like the Newport Folk Festival and the National Folk Festival helped to showcase its diversity. The revival also drew on the rich musical heritage of the United States, including Blues music, Gospel music, and Old-time music, with artists like Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, and The Carter Family influencing its development.

History

The American folk music revival has its roots in the 1930s, when musicians like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger began performing and recording Folk music. The movement gained momentum in the 1940s and 1950s, with the emergence of Folk music clubs and venues like The Village Vanguard and Gerde's Folk City in New York City. The revival was also influenced by the Folk music traditions of other countries, including Ireland, Scotland, and England, with artists like The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, and The Watersons contributing to its international flavor. The 1960s saw the rise of Folk rock and Psychedelic folk, with bands like The Byrds, The Mamas & The Papas, and Jefferson Airplane drawing on Folk music influences.

Influential Artists

The American folk music revival was shaped by a diverse range of influential artists, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie. Other notable figures like Peter, Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio, and The Weavers helped to popularize the revival, while artists like Mahalia Jackson, Odetta Holmes, and Josh White drew on African-American music traditions. The revival also saw the emergence of new artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Carly Simon, who were influenced by Folk music and went on to achieve success in the Pop music and Rock music genres. Additionally, artists like Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and The Stanley Brothers contributed to the revival's Bluegrass music and Old-time music heritage.

Festivals and Venues

The American folk music revival was characterized by a vibrant festival and venue scene, with events like the Newport Folk Festival, the National Folk Festival, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival showcasing its diversity. Venues like Gerde's Folk City, The Village Vanguard, and The Gaslight Cafe in New York City were hubs for Folk music performances, while the Ash Grove in Los Angeles and the Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan were important centers for the revival on the West Coast and in the Midwest. The revival also saw the emergence of new festivals like the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Kerrville Folk Festival, which continue to celebrate Folk music and its traditions.

Impact on Popular Music

The American folk music revival had a significant impact on Popular music, with Folk rock and Psychedelic folk emerging as distinct genres in the 1960s. The revival influenced a wide range of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys, who drew on Folk music influences in their work. The revival also paved the way for the development of new genres like Singer-songwriter and Soft rock, with artists like Carole King, Cat Stevens, and Jackson Browne achieving success in these styles. Additionally, the revival's emphasis on Acoustic music and Roots music influenced the development of Punk rock and Indie rock in the 1970s and 1980s, with bands like The Ramones and R.E.M. drawing on Folk music traditions.

Legacy and Preservation

The American folk music revival has left a lasting legacy in Popular music and Folk music traditions. The revival's emphasis on Roots music and Acoustic music has influenced a wide range of artists, from Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers. The revival's festivals and venues continue to thrive, with events like the Newport Folk Festival and the National Folk Festival remaining important showcases for Folk music and its traditions. The revival's legacy is also preserved through institutions like the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Folk Alliance International, which work to document and promote Folk music and its heritage. Additionally, the revival's influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Decemberists, who draw on Folk music traditions in their music. Category:American folk music