Black Folk Music History can be found in the lyrics of Folk songs. Many of the songs that have come to be synonymous with struggle, empowerment, human rights and perseverance have come from the African-American community. Many of these songs were sung as work songs, railroad songs, and songs to get Black people through their day to day life.
Folk Music Notable Artists:
- Harry Belafonte
- Carolina Chocolate Drops
- Elizabeth Cotten
- Richie Havens
- Ma Rainey
- Odetta
- Toshi Reagon
Lightnin’ Hopkins was a folk, blues singer and guitarists. Hopkins’s style came from spending many hours playing. His distinctive fingerstyle technique often included playing, in effect, bass, rhythm, lead, and percussion at the same time. Folk music also utilized tapping or slapping for rhythmic feel.
