Folk music serves as a reflection of cultural narratives and individual experiences, so understanding which songs resonate most helps both seasoned fans of folk music to deepen their knowledge while newcomers to find an entryway into its genre.
No matter how you define happiness, classic songs like Doc Watson’s ‘Deep River Blues’ or Malvina Reynolds’s ‘Clay Pigeons’ will have you singing along in no time.
1. Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is widely considered one of the most influential songwriters and performers in folk music history. His stories and lyrics had the power to effect change within society; while his musical style developed alongside society by transitioning from traditional folk songs towards more politically and socially conscious material.
While many singers are inspired by Dylan, few possess his voice or the talent. Dylan’s performances of ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ showcase his creamy soul vocals and powerful wordplay.
Dylan was not only an accomplished singer and writer. His influence comes from literary figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald (Highway 61 Revisited), Herman Melville (Sara) and Lewis Carroll (Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum). Dylan often used literary references in his songs to add greater cultural significance.
2. Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot is an iconic figure of folk music, famed for his emotive songs and soulful baritone voice. His classic “Deep River Blues” captures its spirit through soulful lyrics and intricate guitar work.
His influence can be found in top folk songs like Early Mornin’ Rain and Nova Scotia Farewell. His style transcended genres, adapting quickly to new musical trends.
At Massey Hall in Toronto he performed over 170 times over his career; and is remembered fondly by audiences there as an influential artist whose music continues to influence many musicians today, such as Sarah McLachlan, Anne Murray and Rheostatics among many others.
3. Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie made an indelible mark on both folk music and rock ‘n’ roll, becoming one of America’s foremost storytellers, writing songs about social and political movements and events from throughout the 20th century. He became one of America’s premier raconteurs as his songs touched upon various social issues that occurred in modern America.
He traveled through the country before finally settling in New York where he quickly became a hub for folk singers and musicians alike. Working alongside groups such as The Weavers and Pete Seeger, as well as being an activist committed to living by humanist principles was central to his life.
Woody Guthrie wrote thousands of songs covering beauty, love, outrage, death and faith; one such being “This Land Is Your Land”. Bob Dylan carried Woody’s legacy forward into modern era fandom by introducing Woody’s music to new listeners.
4. Doc Watson
Doc Watson was an iconic flat-picking guitarist in modern entertainment music. Influenced by country and folk musicians from Appalachian regions such as Merle Travis, Doc developed his own signature fingerpicking style using an alternating bass thumb pattern known as Travis Picking.
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was born in Watauga County, North Carolina – one of the epicenters of old-time music – near other traditional musical traditions. His mother sang secular and religious ballads around their home while his father led shape-note hymns at their local church.
Ralph Rinzler witnessed Doc Watson perform in the early 1960s and encouraged him to make music his profession. To build on that encouragement, Doc Watson used songs from family, neighbors and in-laws such as fiddler Gaither Carlton and his wife Rosa Lee as sources for songs that became central elements in the folk revival movement.
5. Nick Drake
Nick Drake’s shyness and mental health issues prevented him from performing live public shows, and he refused interviews; yet his three albums, Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter and Pink Moon have since gained an ever-increasing cult following since his death at 26. Although Drake was heavily influenced by folk revival music scene influences such as Bob Dylan, there never was enough support from an audience large enough to cover his financial needs.
Drake’s haunting music draws its inspiration from 17th-century mystic William Blake and Japanese poet Basho; many modern artists such as Devendra Banhart, Iron and Wine and Elliott Smith can trace a stylistic debt back to Drake. A grainy video which has recently surfaced may show him performing live; although not verified as such it remains fascinating.
6. Cat Stevens
Folk music traditions use songs passed along orally rather than being written down, so each version can differ and also reflect its time period.
Stevens rose to fame as a clean cut teen idol during the 1960s before contracting tuberculosis that forced him out of touring and into spiritual exploration. When he returned – more like a troubadour than before with its heavy orchestrations replaced by intimate, stripped down performances – many fans found him completely unfamiliar.
His earthy sound was heavily influenced by Joni Mitchell and Ralph McTell; his expressive vocals conveying messages of love and peace through songs such as Izitso. Following his conversion to Islam he no longer used Cat Stevens as his stage name but continued performing under Yusuf Islam’s moniker; “Izitso” being his last album as Cat Stevens before touring under this moniker.
7. Blue Moon of Kentucky
Bill Monroe is revered as the pioneer of bluegrass music and was an early member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1946 he formed his bluegrass band alongside guitarist Lester Flatt and banjo player Earl Scruggs – pioneers in 3-finger bluegrass playing style.
Blue Moon of Kentucky, an emotional love tune written by Monroe during an extended car trip between Florida and Kentucky, became its official state song and was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2003.
Listen carefully and you will hear a waltz being performed slowly in 3/4 time during the first half. In contrast, however, Elvis changed up the pace significantly with his version.
8. This Land Is Your Land
Woody Guthrie composed this iconic tune in 1940 as an ironic response to Irving Berlin’s God Bless America. Guthrie’s Oklahoma upbringing and later hobo lifestyle left him with a deep love of country while an intense dislike of exploitation.
After World War II, this song became an official national anthem and was popularized by folk musicians such as Pete Seeger. Unfortunately, however, many verses that contained more controversial statements were removed to avoid offending the establishment and thus lost much of their ironic force.
As folk music was revived during the civil rights movement, artists reintroduced missing verses to give songs a fuller message. Now part of American culture – from Bruce Springsteen to Lady Gaga singing it publicly – it has also been adopted by Indigenous communities around the globe.
9. Deep River Blues
Fingerpicking guitar and expressive harmonica come together to produce a dynamic musical experience. Additionally, instrumental arrangements often include a steady bass line for added depth and dimension to their overall soundscape.
Doc Watson’s talent and devotion to folk music was an influential force on generations of musicians. His interpretations of timeless classics like Deep River Blues gave them new life while leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
Doc Watson left an indelible mark on audiences wherever he performed solo or with son Merle Watson on harmonica, his musical connection to his audience was undeniable. His signature style and emotive vocals became household names, inspiring aspiring folk musicians to follow in his footsteps and continue the legacy he established through performances and recordings; moreover, his commitment to passing down folk music traditions ensured its continued development for future generations.
10. Pink Moon
Folk music often delivers an important message through intricate instrumental arrangements, emotive lyrics and unique vocal styles. Folk songs touch audiences on an intimate level and remain as relevant today as when first written 50 or 100 years ago.
Woody Guthrie used his music to advocate for equality and human rights; his advocacy earned him iconic status within folk music genre.
Nick Drake’s haunting folk tune Pink Moon epitomizes its power. From its minimalist acoustic guitar work and introspective lyrics by Drake himself, this track stands out as an absolute classic within this genre. Even used in a Volkswagen commercial to bring Drake’s music further exposure. For any folk music enthusiast it should be on any list of must-listen songs; here is but a small sampling.