The Story Of Folk Music And It's Influence On Vinyl
The term 'Traditional Folk' has been used to describe this style of music since the 19th century. However, in the UK this style of traditional music goes back many centuries to the balladeers and poets who literally sung the poetry. It is basically music transmitted orally from person to person and from generation to generation and the authorship maybe lost in time. The UK and Ireland has a great wealth of traditional music, not only nationally but regionally. Scotland, Ireland and parts of the UK have a strong Celtic tradition along with naval sea shanties. Canada also has a strong Celtic and colonial tradition. The USA has it's Country and Bluegrass influences.
Contemporary folk music developed in the mid 20th century and became very popular in the 1960's. In the 30's and 40's Woody Guthrie became popular and as we reached the 60's, major artists developed and crossed over into popular music. Major artists in the States were Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Judy Collins, while in Canada there were artists like Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
The UK produced Donavon and Steeleye Span, who were commercially successful and the folk influence has continued up to the present day with artists like Irish bands The Pogues and Mumford and Sons. Although traditional instruments were used such as the acoustic guitar, violin, tambourine, harmonica, flute/whistle and drum, in recent years electric guitars and violins have become popular.
Folk music is a vast genre and encompasses many countries, all with their own traditional music. Many festivals take place each year to celebrate these rich musical traditions. Top artists such as Bob Dylan are highly sort-after and the earlier vinyl records in good condition are prized by collectors. Bands like Steeleye Span and The Pogues have cult followings and many fans will collect any musical format by these artists.
Brief History Of Bluegrass Music, It's Origins, Instruments & Vinyl
Bluegrass is a genre of American country music and developed in the 1940's. It is generally considered to be a music based on stringed instruments e.g. guitar, banjo, fiddle etc. Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys were considered to be the first components and is probably where the name Bluegrass derived from.
Today there are a number of modern alternative and experimental forms of Bluegrass. Modern Bluegrass artists to look out for are Alison Krauss and the Union Station, The SteelDrivers, Gangstagrass and Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton's 2005 album 'Those Were The Days' which covers a lot of modern and old favourite songs done in a bluegrass style maybe an ideal introduction to this genre.
Planet Earth Records have a large range of Folk 7" singles and vinyl albums available to purchase dating from the 50's right up to the modern day.
Visit Planetearthrecords.co.uk - The UK's well known mail order vinyl record shop with thousands of both new and sort-after vinyl records available to buy online.