| What exactly defines the folk genre?

What exactly defines the folk genre?

Inspire asked:


People have been telling me my music is folk music and this has really irritated/offended me because, without really taking much notice of genres before, I always thought folk was banjos and straw hats. But last week I noticed Cat Stevens is folk (which I just assumed was pop). I looked up the folk category to find some of the music legends were folk too. So I now see it’s more of a compliment than an insult.

But here’s my question: what exactly is the defining point that makes a song a folk song? I’m not looking for examples of folk songs and artists, I’m looking for something concrete I can put my finger on and say, “yes, this is a folk song.”

Thanks in advance.

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Comments

3 Responses to “What exactly defines the folk genre?”

  1. Michael H in New Orleans on April 6th, 2009 1:09 am

    Folk music has to do with everyday life. It can be played and sang in a lot of different ways. Bob Dylan is the most famous, but there are many other great ones. Simon and Garfunkle, The Mamas and the Papas, and the Byrds just to name a few.

  2. stevenseeks on April 8th, 2009 9:12 am

    telling a story,ballads these are folk.

  3. amybee08 on April 9th, 2009 3:01 am

    Folk music are music that has to do w/. nature,in our everyday life….As far as iknow all folk songs has meaning.