Transcript American Folk Songs 2014x

Skyview Middle School
Dr. Harriet Jarmon
Folk music has long been considered the music of the masses, a musical tradition with no
known composer and one that is played in common areas, like town squares, festivals,
taverns, and saloons. Folk music is traditionally thought of in European terms, yet it can be
traced to towns, villages and communities around the world.
To understand American folk music, you have to consider where American folk music
began, how it evolved and where it goes from here. Traditional American Folk songs have long
thrilled audiences for its unique way of reflecting the character of America itself. Likewise,
Contemporary American Folk music offers audiences a blend of folk traditions, styles and lyrics
sure to please and provoke. The sheer number and unique qualities of American folk artists
down through the ages is staggering.
Traditional folk music is hard to pin down. It defies the rules and refuses to by typecast. But, you can apply some common characteristics to American traditional folk
music. Among them, American traditional folk music:
1. Has no known composer and, in some cases, has been adapted from a poem or
other writings. 2. Contains simple words, phrases or melodies. 3. Is not written
down, rather passed on through the generations by word-of-mouth. 4. Can be
likened to oral tradition and storytelling. 5. Originates in a particular town,
community, region or with respect to a particular cultural or ethnic group. 6. Has
long given the common folk in a particular community a form of group expression.
American Patriotic is a form of folk music whose music and lyrics appeal almost exclusively to
the American spirit and patriotism. Indeed, American Patriotic Folk music was written and
performed to inspire and move "We the People."
Each American Patriotic Folk song is rooted in an event or period of American history. For
example, American the Beautiful was a song that was adapted from a Katharine Lee Bates
poem that she wrote while on a trip to Colorado, reportedly after a visit to the mighty Pike's
Peak. The Star Spangled Banner was also a song adapted from a poem, this time by Francis
Scott Key. Yankee Doodle Dandy was originally a pre-Revolutionary War drinking song sung by
the British to mock their American subjects. This Land is Your Land is a modern classic, written
by Woody Guthrie on his travels across the American continent. These songs and many others
formed the core of patriotic folk songs that describe the American spirit and beautify of our
country.
Everything changed for American traditional folk music in the 20th century as America
modernized and traditional life collided with modern living. No longer could traditional music
stay silent amid widespread war, poverty and joblessness. After World War I, the glaring
excesses of the Roaring 20s and Prohibition, the inequities and strife resulting from racial
segregation and class divides, a Great Depression set in and traditional folk music took on a
decidedly serious tone.
Sure, patriotic folk songs were still played to rally the troops and people at this time, or in
conjunction with American holidays, celebrations and sporting events. But, people like
American folk artist Woody Guthrie marked a departure for folk music when the artist
emerged as the song's equal, the knowable, human conduit of this great American tradition.
Of course, recordings, radio and, later, television facilitated the association of folk song with
artist. No indeed, no longer would folk music be associated with the town square, rather the
folk artist became inseparable from the form and message.
The Carter Family promoted traditional and country forms of folk music. Townes van
Zandt put country and folk on the map and ranks among America's top singer-songwriters
ever. Austin singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith's harmonies help her cross over from country to
folk audiences. The Kingston Trio found ways of taking folk and connecting it to a popular
audience. Harry Belafonte put calypso and island music on the map. The Highwaymen
advanced a folk revival in the 1960s.
Peter, Paul and Mary demonstrated the very best in a folk ensemble whose message is
still relevant today. Bob Dylan wrote and performed songs that moved an entire generation in
a different direction. Phil Ochs' music stirred the conscience of the American people during the
turbulent 1960s and Vietnam War. Simon and Garfunkel demonstrated that folk music had
commercial viability as well as personal regard. The Chieftains kept Irish folk on the map in in
the minds of American folk singer-songwriters. Sweet Honey's a capella folk music never goes
out of style.
American Contemporary Folk music and folk rock blends musical traditions down
through the ages, and the sound evokes rhythm and blues (R&B), bluegrass, country,
soul, gospel, and, even, Indie rock. Contemporary folk draws from the solid American
folk tradition and makes it more interesting and captivating to American audiences
everywhere. American Contemporary Folk music is acoustic, electrified, and
everything in between, as its blends the very best in American folk music, jazz,
gospel and blues, down through the ages. From Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie in the
early years, to Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie and beyond, American folk music pulls the
very best from its roots into contemporary styling, lyrics and form today.
There are too many to name, each important in their own, unique way. Artists like
Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Ani DiFranco come to mind for their contributions down
through the years, through times of great struggle and, later, prosperity. James
Taylor continues to tour and move people with his incredible folk songbook. Given
her unique sound, Tracey Chapman typifies what's meant by contemporary folk
music. Legendary singer-songwriters Emmy Lou Harris, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez
continue to inspire and wow their audiences. John Gorka reminds audiences that
Love is Our Cross to Bear, a classic song that typifies the sound and lyrics of
contemporary folk music today.
Oh give me a home where the
buffalo roam, Where the deer and
the antelope play, Where seldom is
heard a discouraging word, And the
skies are not cloudy all day.
Chorus Home, home on the
range, Where the deer and the
antelope play, Where seldom is
heard a discouraging word, And the
skies are not cloudy all day.
Where, oh where is pretty little
Susie? Where, oh where is pretty little
Susie? Where, oh where is pretty little
Susie? Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.
Pickin' up paw-paws, puttin' 'em in her
pocket, Pickin' up paw-paws, puttin'
'em in her pocket, Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in her pocket, Way
down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
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Has no known composer and, in some
cases, has been adapted from a poem or
other writings.
Contains simple words, phrases or
melodies.
Is not written down, rather passed on
through the generations by word-ofmouth.
Can be likened to oral tradition and
storytelling.
Originates in a particular town,
community, region or with respect to a
particular cultural or ethnic group.
Has long given the common folk in a
particular community a form of group
expression.
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American Patriotic is a form of folk
music
Contemporary Folk music and folk
rock
Bob Dylan
Judy Collins
Ani DiFranco
Joni Mitchell
Joan Baez
James Taylor
Simon & Garfunkel