Written By: Ava Cager
What is Folk Music?
Folk music is a genre of music that highlights the traditional nature of a particular community or group of people. Tradition plays a huge role in the continuation of Folk culture within a multitude of communities. For example, the ways in which a group of individuals sings are passed down, generationally, along with various instruments like banjos and fiddles. Folk music and the way it sounds varies depending on the geographic location it is sung. However, it’s crucial to understand that the origins of Folk culture, as we know it in America was spearheaded by Black people.
How Does Folk Music Directly Align with Black Culture?
Folk music aligns closely to Black culture in ways such as the establishment of community, resistance, advocacy, spirituality, and influence. Below, I’ve outlined how each of these terms specifically align with Black culture.
- Resistance & Advocacy
- Throughout history, Black people have endured adversity that was meant to erase us and who we are. However, we have persevered and our strength has remained. Black folk music exists as a form of resistance. Even when it felt like the world was against us, we’ve utlized artistic capabilities like folk music push beyond.
- Spirituality
- Negro spirituals remain a foundational aspect of Black culture. Enslaved Africans constructed musical ballads that have forever changed the fabric of Black life. These spirituals acted as a source of hope and faith during an extremely horrific time.
- Influence
- Folk music has impacted not only Black music but American music. Genres like jazz, blues, and rock & roll are just a few examples of music types that have been directly influenced by the origin of Folk music. White America has also been an active participant in the attempted erasure of Black people as they show up in Folk music. Racism and discrimination have consistently tainted Folk music, as White America have tried to erase the orginiators (Black people) from Folk culture.
Popular Black Women Folk Musicians
- Elizabeth Cotten
- Elizabeth Cotten was a Black woman, who was extremely influential in the Folk music genre. She’s remembered for the unique way she played guitar and her talent in songrwriting. Her achievements include winning a Grammy award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1985 for her album “Elizabeth Cotten Live”
- Odetta
- Odetta was another Black folk musician who played a huge part in the culture of Folk music. Her album “Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues” (1956) is one of her biggest accomplishments. She’s known for her deep, soulful voice. She juxtaposes traditional folk and blues in a way that perfectly represents her talent and musicality.
