Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, where songs and stories were passed down orally from generation to generation. Over the centuries, many different folk music styles have developed, depending on the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of each region.
In the 1950s and 60s, folk music experienced a renaissance in the United States as artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan combined folk music traditions with political and social issues, making it a popular form of entertainment. This movement was called the "folk revival" and also had an impact on popular music, particularly the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s.
Bob Dylan, considered one of the best known and most influential singer-songwriters of the Folk Revival movement, influenced the genre through his political songs and innovative songwriting technique. Other well-known artists of the folk revival movement include Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton.
In the 1970s, folk music became popular again through the singer-songwriter movement, and artists such as James Taylor, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell made their mark on the genre. These artists combined the traditions of folk music with pop and rock influences, creating a new sound known as "folk rock."
Today, there are many different styles within folk music, including Americana, bluegrass, Celtic, and world music. Well-known folk music artists of today include Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, and Bon Iver.
Folk music remains a popular music style today and is appreciated by music fans of all ages. It provides a platform for music and culture to connect and allows musicians to share their stories and experiences with a wide audience. Folk music will certainly continue to play an important role in the musical landscape in the future.
All rights reserved. No usage without prior licensing. Please be fair. Thank you!
Traditional western country boogie, with plenty of slide guitars.
Greek folk dance type tune, similar to 'Zorba' etc. Steadily increasing tempo throughout. Accordeon and bouzouki over nylon guitars, bass and drums. Can also be a Yiddish, Gypsy or Eastern European folk track. Bright, happy, authentic folky.
An orchestral adaptation of the "other" famous Shaker tune, "I Will Bow and Be Simple", also know as “Willow Tree”. Performed live with a Copland-esque classical, symphonic folklorism that has a vintage Americana western film score vibe to it as well.
An earthy, folk'y, laid-back and easy going outdoor / nature track featuring acoustic guitars and piano. Happy and light hearted, but in a relaxed way. Can be nature, fishing, hiking, rambling, camping, just having fun outdoors. Available both with and without the Didgeridoo.
Uptempo Cajun / Zydeko style with accordeon top line.
An old time country waltz played on Dobro, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, guitar, bass and drums. Traditional country band style, authentic live performance. Happy and feelgood, yet also wistful and reflective.
Slow to mid-tempo American country rock featuring Dobro, mandolin, banjo, pedal steel guitar, bass and drums. Melodic and swinging, this is a wonderfully genuine, authentic country track with elements of folk, bluegrass and Americana.
Greek folk dance type tune, similar to 'Zorba' etc. Steadily increasing tempo throughout. Accordeon and bouzouki over nylon guitars, bass and drums. Can also be a Yiddish, Gypsy or Eastern European folk track. Bright, happy, authentic folky.
Uptempo Cajun / Zydeko, with accordeon top line.
Uptempo Russian or Yiddish style Polka. Accordeon, bouzouki and voices over nylon guitars, bass and drums. Can be a Jewish celebration, traditional Greek folk music, Russian folk music, Gypsy music or Eastern European folk music. Available is also an 'underscore version' which cuts out the melodic/top instruments, leaving only the background groove.
A fast, fun and bouncy country hoedown featuring dobros. Just dobro and drums first time through -- then drums, bass and rhythm guitars join in. Hee-haw!
Mid-tempo country ballad with Dobro and a pedal steel top line. Classic country style, swaying and swinging.
A short, feelgood country / folk / americana track based on acoustic guitars and with a feeling of nature and the outdoors. Excellent for outdoor, hobby, family, nature and perfect as a weather report or weather update. Soothing, wholesome, appealing, friendly, refreshing and uplifting.
Uptempo, happy ragtime piece with a country twang. Performed entirely on acoustic guitars. Wholesome fun!
Acoustic track with happy folk acoustic guitars, uplifting pop drums, live groovy rock bass and bright shaker. It's very positive, childish, melodic and optimistic. Could fit any family album, commercial or corporate project.
Mid-tempo country ballad with Dobro and a pedal steel top line. Classic country style, swaying and swinging.
An earthy, folk'y, laid-back and easy going outdoor / nature track featuring acoustic guitars and piano. Happy and light hearted, but in a relaxed way. Can be nature, fishing, hiking, rambling, camping, just having fun outdoors. Available both with and without the Didgeridoo.
Acoustic pop / light rock track based on acoustic guitars in a contemporary, slightly folky rock band arrangement. Easy going, wholesome, positive and laidback. Family and friendships, good times.
Fun background music with a swing retro feel. Played by melodic acoustic piano, live bass, groovy brush drums and uplifting shaker. Great for children project, family album, video game, flash animation or anything corporate which needs retro music on the one hand and modern funny tune on the other.
Acoustic pop / light rock track based on acoustic guitars in a contemporary, slightly folky rock band arrangement. Easy going, wholesome, positive and laidback. Family and friendships, good times.
Acoustic music with live acoustic guitars, bass, brush drums and shaker. It has a very lovely melody played by acoustic picked guitar. Excellent for corporate usage, business, web, internet, flash project, family album, TV, commercial. Positive, fun, groovy and even a little bit childish.
A very happy and feelgood, homely and wholesome tune with a whistled melody, with acoustic guitars and bells. Joyful and positive, you simply can't help but feel happy and free. Pleasures of the simple life, relaxing and playful. Living the good life.
Acoustic track with happy folk acoustic guitars, uplifting pop drums, live groovy rock bass and bright shaker. It's very positive, childish, melodic and optimistic. Could fit any family album, commercial or corporate project.