Folk Music

For our use, we will use the following working definitions of Folk Music:

1. Music that arises principally in rural areas and is passed down by oral tradition, is performed mainly by amateur musicians, is widely known at all levels of society, and is usually regarded as typical of a nation or ethnic group. Students of folk music must study popular music also because it draws material from folk music, transmits it back to folk groups, and contributes material to the oral tradition. — David Evans, Big Road Blues, 1983.

2. 2. Music written by specific songwriters that suggests folk music in its mode of performance, instrumentation, subject matter, or tonal and rhythmic style. The straightforward songwriting of contemporary coffeehouse folk music. — Richie Unterberger, Music USA, 1999.

Assignment Instructions: This assignment will give you the opportunity to discover – at a basic entry level — the music of some prolific American Folk Singer/Songwriters. Popular artists include (but are not limited to): Ma Rainey, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Hank Williams, Pete Seeger, Arlo Gutherie, Woody Gutherie, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, The Carter Family, Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Patty Griffin, Johnny Cash & Bill Monroe.

Choose one singer-songwriter from the list above. If you wish to go “off list”, you must clear this with your instructor BEFORE completing the assignment. Put your name in parentheses next to the singer-songwriter’s name.
Provide a short biography of the singer-songwriter. Include date of birth, the style of music he/she was most well known for + provide a synopsis of their contributions to folk music.
Research one culturally significant song written and/or performed by the artist. Study the lyrics carefully. You must choose a piece of music that comments on happenings in American culture or history. This is a critical component in the genre of Folk Music. Provide a functioning hyperlink for the song in your submission. (I want to listen to your song while reading your work!).
Clarification example: “Both Sides Now” is a wonderful song composed by folk artist Joni Mitchell. However, the lyrics do not reflect what was happening in American culture at the time. Rather, it is simply a song about love. Therefore, this piece is not an appropriate example for this assignment.

Include a hyperlink to the song that you have chosen.
Write a short synopsis of what is happening in the song. AND, explain why this song is significant during the time period it was composed. (5-8 sentences)
Briefly discuss what was happening in American history at the time this singer/songwriter was composing this music. (3-5 sentences)
How does the song you chose reflect the definitions of folk music? Explain. (3-5 sentences)
Evaluation – Completion of all requirements, accuracy in the content, thoroughly supported responses, functioning URL, professional presentation in spelling, grammar, format, and appearance on the Canvas site.