FolkBackground:- Based on Appalachian folk ballads- Passed on by aural traditions- Regional music- Expresses beliefs in a particular group- Simple, vocal-oriented music- Usually strophic forms- Accompanied by acoustic sting instruments- One or more vocalistsWoody Guthrie (1912-1967)- Principal influence on 1960s folk singers- Songs about his personal experiences- Formed Almanac Singers with Pete Seeger (1940s)- Outspoken political and social critic- Member of communist party- Recorded with twangy, nasal voice- Self-accompanied on acoustic guitar- This Land is Your LandFolk Music, 1950s/1960sStyle Characteristics:- Vocalso Good vocal controlo Generally sing on pitcho Do not shout- Lyricso Carry a messageo Serious topics of social or political importance (peace, love, racial equality)o Music to listen to and think about- Harmonyo Simpleo Avoids doo wop and 12-bar blues progressions- Rhythmo Deep in backgroundo No backbeato Surface rhythms based on lyrics- Soundo Exclusively acoustic instrumentso Avoids elaborate recording tricks; no double tracking, overdubbing, reverb, etc. for an “honest studio sound”- Generally appeals to college ages and older- More easily available on CP than on 4S- Songs usually created: lyrics, melody to support lyrics, harmony to support melodyPeter, Paul, and Mary; Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (1962)Bob Dylan (b. 1941)- Strongly influenced by Woody Guthrie- Moved to New York in 1960- Sang and played in coffee houses in Greenwich Village- Discovered by John Hammond and hired to play harmonica for Harry Belafonte recordingAlbums:- Bob Dylan (1962); mostly covers; Takin’ New York- Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963); more politically charged; Masters of War- The Times They Are A-Changin’ (1963)- Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964); more personal sentiments; My Back Pages- Bringing It All Back Home (1965); half folk, half folk rock- Highway 61 Revisited (1965); Like a Rolling Stone, over 6 minutes long, broke the 2 ½ minute rock song barrier on AM radio- Blonde on Blonde (1966); Rainy Day Women # 12 and 35- Nashville Skyline (1969); country oriented- Slow Train Coming (1979); becomes a born again Christian; Gotta Serve SomebodyFolk Rock- Blends rock elements (electric instruments, drums, use of backbeat) with folk elements (message lyrics, tuneful melodies, clear vocals, singing in key)- Developed in the mid-1960s- Wide variety of groups/artists:o The Byrds; Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)o Buffalo Springfield; For What It’s Worth (1967)o Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; Carry On (1970)o The Band; The Weight (1968)o Simon and Garfunkel; The Sounds of Silence
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