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Music genre

Contemporary folk music

Contemporary folk music is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1920s. It is usually classed as a form of folk music and popular music. Explore its 10 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Contemporary folk music

Contemporary folk music is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1920s. It is usually classed as a form of folk music and popular music.

Artists closely associated with the genre include Kris Kristofferson, Mckenna Grace, Odetta, Glen Hansard, Tommy Emmanuel and Marinella.

Contemporary folk music has given rise to 10 subgenres on this site, such as Skiffle, Neofolk, Anti-folk and New Weird America.

From Wikipedia

Contemporary folk music refers to a wide variety of genres that emerged in the mid-20th century and afterwards which were associated with traditional folk music. Starting in the mid-20th century, a new form of popular folk music evolved from traditional folk music. This process and period is called the (second) folk revival and reached a zenith in the 1960s. The most common name for this new form of music is also "folk music", but is often called "contemporary folk music" or "folk revival music" to make the distinction. The transition was somewhat centered in the United States and is also called the American folk music revival. Fusion genres such as folk rock and others also evolved within this phenomenon. While contemporary folk music is a genre generally distinct from traditional folk music, it often shares the same English name, performers and venues as traditional folk music; even individual songs may be a blend of the two.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Contemporary folk music.

Key artists

  • Kris Kristofferson
  • Mckenna Grace
  • Odetta
  • Glen Hansard
  • Tommy Emmanuel
  • Marinella

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Contemporary folk music?

Contemporary folk music is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1920s. It is usually classed as a form of folk music and popular music.

Where and when did Contemporary folk music originate?

Contemporary folk music originated in United States in the 1920s.

Who are famous Contemporary folk music artists?

Kris Kristofferson, Mckenna Grace, Odetta, Glen Hansard, Tommy Emmanuel and Marinella.

Sources & credits