American Folk Music & Bluegrass

Folk Music Origins

Folk music exists in all parts of the world, but this lesson will specifically define American folk music. American folk music has origins across the United States, including Oklahoma, and is often characterized by specific instruments, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and harmonica. Singers of American folk music often have an "unpolished" quality - their voices sound like something you would hear on a front porch or local venue, not in a professional recording studio. American folk music is typically performed by one musician, but not always.

Woody Guthrie

One of the most prolific American folk musicians was Woody Guthrie. Born in Okemah, Oklahoma, Guthrie wrote many songs about societal and political issues and is especially known for his songs about the Dust Bowl. Listen to a clip of one of his "Dust Bowl ballads" below. See if you can identify any of the instruments characteristic of folk music listed above.

Video: Dust Bowl Refugee-- Woody Guthrie

luxunsghost. (2008, Dec 5). Dust Bowl Refugee-- Woody Guthrie. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/N_ehYkr0NhU?feature=shared

Click on the Closed Caption icon button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Bluegrass

Although Bluegrass music may sound similar to American folk music, there are primary differences between the two. Bluegrass has been influenced greatly by European settlers living in the land around Appalachia and Tennessee. To identify more differences between folk and bluegrass, view the chart below.

Folk music and bluegrass differences chart

Video: Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Bluegrass Jam led by Sierra Hull & Po' Ramblin' Boys

Libby's Bluegrass Breakdown. (2021, Jul 17). Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Bluegrass Jam led by Sierra Hull & Po' Ramblin' Boys. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/BojXCyS-bNY?feature=shared

Click on the Closed Caption icon button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

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