The history of american folk music

Folk music first appeared as early as the 1920s, slowly gaining popularity during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl (from 1930-36). ... The songs were passed down through generations, and the music was played during times when American people needed to hear it the most.

1. What is the origin of American folk music?
2. What was the first American folk song?
3. Where did folk music originate?
4. What are the characteristics of American folk music?

What is the origin of American folk music?

It derives from various European and African influences—including English ballads, Irish and Scottish traditional music (especially fiddle music), hymns, and African-American blues. ... They were the first vocal group to become country music stars; a beginning of the divergence of country music from traditional folk music.

What was the first American folk song?

From the onset of American history, folk music has shown up at times when the people needed it most. The earliest folk songs rose from slave fields as spirituals such as “Down by the Riverside” and “We Shall Overcome.” These are songs about struggle and hardship but are also full of hope.

Where did folk music originate?

The typical 21st-century conception of folk music comes from beliefs about the nature of music and musical life in the village cultures of Europe from the 18th into the 19th century; but this traditional folk music culture was affected greatly by the rise of industrial society and of cities, as well as by nationalist ...

What are the characteristics of American folk music?

American folk music has the following characteristics:

• Acoustic instruments.
• Simple chord progressions such as C-F-G or Am-G.
• Simple time signatures such as 3/4 or 4/4.
• “Sharp” or natural keys such as C, D, E, G or A.
• Simple scales such as pentatonic minor (blues), pentatonic major, major, melodic minor and mixolydian.