Folk Acts That Deserve More Respect: Top 10 Picks

Bob Dylan has been a hot topic of conversation recently, and rightfully so. His influence on the music scene is undeniable, especially with the highly anticipated 2024 film release of A Complete Unknown, which features the talented Timothee Chalamet in the lead role. This film not only shines a spotlight on Dylan’s illustrious career but also introduces viewers to key figures in the American folk music movement of the early 1960s, including legendary artists such as Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie. These artists played crucial roles in shaping the genre and are essential to understanding Dylan’s artistic journey.

However, while names like Dylan and Baez are synonymous with folk music, it’s important to recognize that their artistry was deeply influenced by a multitude of lesser-known yet equally significant artists. The folk genre, with its rich and sometimes elusive definition, owes much of its evolution to these pioneering musicians. In this article, we delve into 10 Folk Acts That Deserved More Respect. This list highlights the foundational artists whose contributions were crucial to the development of the folk music movement, suggesting that without their influence, icons like Dylan may never have emerged.

1. The New Lost City Ramblers: Pioneers of Authentic Folk Sound

Numerous books chronicle the folk revival that took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly in America, where a wave of youthful musicians began reviving and recording songs from previous decades. These artists often infused their music with political themes, drawing from genres like country, blues, and gospel, ultimately laying the groundwork for what would become protest music. Woody Guthrie, a key figure in this movement, famously stated, “It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.” The New Lost City Ramblers exemplified this ethos by striving for an authentic sound. They recorded music reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s using innovative technology for the time, producing an album titled Songs From the Depression. Their work provided a refreshing alternative to the prevailing “classic pop” sounds of artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

2. Carolyn Hester: The Texas Songbird and Folk Revival Catalyst

In the vibrant folk revival scene of the early 1960s, Greenwich Village stood out as a cultural hub where significant musical talents congregated. This neighborhood emerged as the epicenter of folk music, second only to Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was during this time that Carolyn Hester, known as “The Texas Songbird,” invited a young and relatively unknown Bob Dylan to play harmonica on her album. This pivotal recording session would eventually lead to Dylan’s signing with Columbia Records, marking a significant moment in his career. Hester, originally from Waco, Texas, was a regular performer at renowned venues such as the Gaslight Cafe and Gerde’s Folk City, where she showcased her exceptional talent and contributed to the flourishing folk scene.

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3. Richard Farina and Mimi Baez: A Dynamic Folk Duo

Richard Farina and Mimi Baez made waves in the folk music scene during their marriage from 1963 until Farina’s untimely death in a motorcycle accident in 1966. As a duo, they carved out an important niche for themselves, blending traditional folk tunes with Farina’s original compositions. His most notable song, “Birmingham Sunday,” which was later covered by Mimi’s sister Joan Baez, poignantly addressed the tragic murder of four children in a racially motivated bombing. Farina’s ability to connect the beats of the early ’60s with the emerging hippie culture marked him as a unique figure in the music landscape. As writer David Hajdu described in 2016, Farina had a flair for storytelling and persona creation, reminiscent of later artists like David Bowie and Lady Gaga.

4. Phil Ochs: The Underappreciated Voice of Protest

It is fascinating how some of the most influential figures in musical movements often go unrecognized commercially. Phil Ochs epitomized this phenomenon as a sharp and politically charged songwriter, crafting approximately 200 songs over a decade. His music, often critical of war and a staunch advocate for civil rights, resonated with many artists who covered his work, including Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Cher. Ochs represented the essence of the folk revival, inspiring a generation of singer-songwriters who drew from historical folk traditions to create socially relevant music that spoke to the issues of their time.

5. The Roches: Harmonious Innovators of Folk Pop

The evolution of folk music has seen several significant transformations over the decades. The Roches, a trio of talented sisters, emerged during the second wave of folk artists, following the likes of Dylan and Baez by adopting a more folk-pop style. Their breakthrough came when they were invited by Paul Simon to lend their voices as backing singers on his 1973 album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon. The Roches’ self-titled debut album, produced by Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame, showcased how acoustic guitar-driven arrangements and intricate harmonies could thrive amid the burgeoning disco craze of the 1970s, proving that folk-inflected sounds still had a prominent place in popular music.

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6. Judee Sill: A Promise Unfulfilled

Judee Sill appeared to be on the cusp of greatness. She was the first artist signed to David Geffen’s Asylum Records, a label that would go on to release iconic albums from artists like Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Sill’s initial albums garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her exceptional songwriting skills. Graham Nash noted in 2021 that she was deeply observant, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings. While she opened for Crosby, Stills & Nash and had her first single produced by Nash, life took a tragic turn. Despite her evident talent and potential to be a leading figure in the Los Angeles music scene, Sill struggled with personal demons, ultimately passing away from a drug overdose in 1979, leaving a legacy of unfulfilled promise.

7. Lead Belly: A Foundational Influence on American Music

George Harrison once remarked, “If there was no Lead Belly, there would have been no Lonnie Donegan. No Lonnie Donegan, no Beatles. Therefore no Lead Belly, no Beatles.” This statement underscores Lead Belly’s profound influence on American music, with Bob Dylan being one of the many artists who discovered folk standards through his work. In his 2016 Nobel Prize speech, Dylan described Lead Belly’s music as a transformative experience that illuminated his musical path. Despite Lead Belly’s commercial success primarily being channeled through white artists who covered his songs, his contributions laid the groundwork for a generation of folk singers, rock musicians, and blues aficionados. Without Lead Belly, the landscape of American music might have looked drastically different.

8. Happy Traum: A Key Player in the Greenwich Village Scene

Happy Traum is a name that would undoubtedly feature prominently on any list of essential Greenwich Village folk musicians. As a member of the New World Singers, Traum recorded the first version of Dylan’s iconic “Blowin’ in the Wind.” His presence was felt throughout New York City, where he played guitar across various acts, including a duo with his brother Artie. Rolling Stone once noted that their style defined the Northeast folk music scene, characterized by a relaxed, blues-influenced fingerpicking technique that has since become a cornerstone of acoustic guitar playing. Traum’s influence on the genre is significant, as he helped shape the sound and style that many guitarists still strive to emulate today.

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9. Jackson C. Frank: A Troubled Genius

Jackson C. Frank holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly for those from Buffalo, New York. Unlike others on this list, his eponymous debut album was released in the U.K. during a time when a vibrant folk revival was taking place, featuring artists like Donovan and Nick Drake. Produced by Paul Simon, Frank’s album received positive feedback in England, but his personal struggles led to a downward spiral in his mental health. Despite his challenges, Frank’s poignant songwriting has resonated with contemporary artists, leading to covers by well-known musicians such as John Mayer and Counting Crows, ensuring his legacy endures through their interpretations.

10. David Blue: A Cult Figure of the Greenwich Village Scene

If the name David Blue rings a bell, it may be from clips of Dylan’s 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue or from his songwriting for the Eagles’ “Outlaw Man,” featured on their 1973 album Desperado. Before this recognition, Blue was a significant figure in the Greenwich Village folk scene, mingling with artists who would later achieve fame while he remained a beloved cult figure. He played a pivotal role in introducing Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne to the music world early in their careers. As Ronee Blakley noted in a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Blue was a vital player who, despite knowing everyone and being present at the inception of many careers, never fully realized the extent of his talent or achieved the success he deserved, leaving many puzzled by the unpredictability of the music industry.

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Gallery Credit: UCR Staff

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