Folk

Folk music is a broad musical tradition rooted in the cultural, social, and oral histories of communities around the world. Typically passed down through generations, folk music reflects collective identity, storytelling, and local customs. It often features acoustic instruments, simple melodic structures, and lyrics that address daily life, historical events, social struggles, and communal experiences. Because folk music evolves through oral transmission, its forms vary widely across regions and time periods.

The term “folk music” encompasses an extensive range of styles, from traditional ballads and work songs to dance tunes, ritual music, and regional instruments. In Europe, early folk traditions developed from medieval and rural practices, producing forms such as English ballads, Celtic reels, Scandinavian fiddle music, and Eastern European village songs. In the United States, folk music grew from a blend of African, European, and Indigenous influences, giving rise to spirituals, blues, Appalachian old-time music, and cowboy ballads.

The 20th century saw a major revival of folk music, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. American artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly preserved and popularized traditional songs while writing new material rooted in social and political themes. The folk revival expanded with influential singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell, who blended poetic lyrics with acoustic instrumentation, helping folk music reach mainstream audiences.

Around the world, folk traditions continued to evolve. In Ireland, groups like The Dubliners renewed interest in traditional songs, while Balkan folk music, Nordic folk, Iberian traditions, and Middle Eastern folk each developed distinct vocal techniques, modal systems, and local instruments such as the bouzouki, balalaika, oud, bagpipes, and kantele. Folk music also influenced the rise of country, bluegrass, Americana, and contemporary acoustic styles.

The later 20th and early 21st centuries introduced folk rock, neo-folk, indie folk, and other hybrid forms that blend traditional elements with modern production. Artists and ensembles integrate electronic textures, orchestral arrangements, or global influences while maintaining the storytelling spirit of folk. Today, folk music continues to be a living tradition — performed at festivals, in communities, and on global stages — representing cultural memory, shared heritage, and the ongoing evolution of musical identity.