American folk music originated with ordinary
People at a time when the rural population was
Isolated and music was not yet spread by radio,
Tapes, CDs, or music videos. It was transmitted
By oral tradition and is noted for its energy,
Humor, and emotional impact. The major source
Of early American folk songs was music from the
British Isles, but songs from Africa as well as
Songs of the American Indians have a significant
Part in its heritage. Later settlers from other
Countries also contributed songs. In the nineteenth
Century, composer Steven Foster wrote
Some of the most enduringly popular of all
American songs, which soon became part of the
Folk tradition. Beginning in the 1930s, Woody
Guthrie gained great popularity by adapting
Traditional melodies and lyrics and supplying new
Ones as well. In the 1950s and 1960s, signercomposers
Such as Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and
Joan Baez continued this tradition by creating
“urban” folk music. Many of these songs dealt
With important social issues, such as racial
Integration and the war in Vietnam. Later in the
1960s, musical groups such as the Byrds and the
Turtles combined folk music and rock and roll to
Create a hybrid form known as folk-rock.
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