About American folk music
American folk music is a music genre that emerged in United States. It is usually classed as a form of traditional folk music and music of the United States.
Among the best-known names in the style are Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman and Woody Guthrie.
American folk music has given rise to 9 subgenres on this site, such as Spirituals, Country blues, Jug band and Fife and drum blues.
From Wikipedia
The term American folk music encompasses numerous music genres, variously known as traditional music, traditional folk music, contemporary folk music, vernacular music, or roots music. Many traditional songs have been sung within the same family or folk group for generations, and sometimes trace back to such origins as the British Isles, Mainland Europe, or Africa. Musician Mike Seeger once famously commented that the definition of American folk music is "...all the music that fits between the cracks."
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of American folk music.
Key artists
- Bob Dylan
- Tracy Chapman
- Woody Guthrie
Related genres
Drinking song
song sung while drinking alcohol
African-American music
broad term covering a diverse range of musical genres largely develope
Roots rock
1960s · United States
Seguidilla
old Castilian folk song and dance form
New Weird America
subgenre of psychedelic folk music of the mid-late 2000s
Detroit blues
United States
Sacred Harp
1800s · United States
White voice
Eastern Europe
Frequently asked questions
What is American folk music?
American folk music is a music genre that emerged in United States. It is usually classed as a form of traditional folk music and music of the United States.
Where and when did American folk music originate?
American folk music originated in United States.
Who are famous American folk music artists?
Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman and Woody Guthrie.