The term American folk music encompasses numerous music genres, variously known as traditional music, traditional folk music, contemporary folk music, vernacular music, or roots …

Classic Folk Music in this playlist of American Folk music's greatest hits and songwriters, including Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Elizabeth Cotten...

What are some of the most influential, memorable, and legendary folk songs of all time? After weeks of collecting votes (each song suggestion is considered a “vote” for that song), the …

Smithsonian Folkways is home to a significant collection of folk music recordings with a storied history as a participant in documenting and supporting the growth of American folk.

Jun 23, 2025 · Learn about the history of American folk music, the key characteristics and instruments that define it, and more.

Jan 22, 2026 · Folk music is a type of traditional and generally rural music that originally was passed down through families and other small social groups. Typically, folk music, like folk …

Jul 31, 2025 · Dive into the rich history of American folk music. Discover its origins, key figures, and cultural impact on society.

Folk music spilled into the popular arena with artists like the Kingston Trio; Burl Ives; Peter, Paul & Mary; and Bob Dylan writing and recording hit folk songs.

Ballad of America preserves and celebrates music from America's diverse cultural history. The music in America today is part of a continuum that reaches back to the Indigenous peoples …

Feb 10, 2026 · American folk music is a broad category of music that includes many genres, such as bluegrass, blues, gospel, old-time, Cajun, and Native American music. It's also known as …