The Role of Folk Rock in Influencing Music - Research Paper Example

Folk Rock Folk rock is a term that was used to describe a genre of music in the late 1960’s. It largely emanated from the fusion of traditional, folk music, and rock. In the United States and the United Kingdom, these were the most popular forms of music. Traditional folk music was originally pioneered by Bob Dylan, a member of the Los Angeles band referred to as The Byrds. In the United States, the media described the music played by this band as folk rock. Rock groups that existed at the time were the biggest influence on this genre of music. Groups like the Beatles were largely known at the time. Dylan was considered an influential man when it came to the pioneering of this genre of music. At a festival that was held in the year 1965, he decided to appear at the festival with an electric backing band. This was considered the turning point in the development of folk rock (Logan and Woofinden 39). The previous influences that encouraged the growth and development of folk rock into what is heard today should be applauded. Creativity put into bringing these different genres of music together to make one common, lovable genre is viewed as a symbol of ingenuity. This is by all those whose love for music grew immensely, and they could relate to it. This paper will review some of the influences that existed which led to the growth of this genre in music. Also, it will look at the role it has played in influencing music that developed much later. Some of the influences that led to the growth and development of folk rock were seen in the form of vocal groups. Others came in the form of revival of rock and roll. This was largely in the United States. After the invasion of the British, this growth seemed to be propelled further where there was the popularization of protest music. This was done, at the time, to achieve some political edge. Inspiration among groups during that period grew as many seemed to form groups that popularized folk music (Logan and Woofinden 43). The performances of these groups were aimed at a popular, mainstream audience. This audience, at least, would appreciate their stage performances. Tight vocal harmonies are what these groups exhibited when they performed for their audiences. At times, there were mild comedic routines that were performed. During the 1960’s, the main thing that set American folk rock apart from other genres, was the clear harmony singing. This singing was originally from some of the philosophies present. They were pioneered by a movement known as the collegiate folk. Traditional folk songs heightened level of exposure for people aspiring to be entertainers during that period (Unterberger 37). Many of the well-known folk rock artists began their careers as folk revival group members. This saw them get the experience well needed to champion this genre of music to modern times. Some of the traditions among the American people were not largely accepted. This prompted some artists to start composing songs relating to the current situation. These songs, in their own right, could have been termed as protest songs. Social issues were addressed in some of these songs. An example of an artist who composed and wrote lyrics that dwelled on these issues was Bob Dylan. Some of the issues were based on the real life experiences that he went through during his lifetime. This led to the acceptance of his music by the audience who could relate to what he sang. He earned the title of singer-songwriter after this period. This propelled his fame, and the fame of the music he pioneered. In the United Kingdom, an equal force was at work. Traditional folk singers led to the growth of such a genre of music. During the late 1950’s, groups sprang up and started performing on known well-known instruments (Unterberger 40). Examples were the harmonica, the banjo, the acoustic guitar among others. The music they tried was known as the skiffle. It was a blend of music that incorporated jazz and had some roots in traditional African-American folk music. Skiffle, as it was commonly referred to, saw many teenage groups come up, and bring it to life. A new generation of young, enthusiastic people was introduced to traditional music. This saw it being accepted by people of a huge age bracket thus promoting the growth, and development of this genre of music. The acceptance ensured that the fusion of traditional, folk music into rock continued (Whadhams 18). This was in many different countries after it was first experienced in the United States, and the United Kingdom. In the South East of Europe, countries like Hungary and Romania started to incorporate traditional folk into the rock music that they sung. There were countries that, however, had opposed the rock culture. Countries like Romania had tried to repress the performing of rock as a genre of music. The introduction of traditional, folk genre could help them try and ease the governments stand on rock culture. This attempt, however, did not manage to bear fruit. They did not reach a compromise with the government during that time. Groups in the area that were fans and actively participated in the promotion of rock music went into exile. However, the music they performed still remains rock. It has the sound of traditional folk somewhere in it (Brocken 57). Having being allowed a clear blueprint to follow by the pioneers, many groups still incorporate that folk rhythm to their rock and roll beats. Following the inception of traditional folk into rock music, decades afterwards, it is very common almost all rock songs having a hint of folk sounds. These are fused together with the common beats that rock and roll goes by. In these modern times, not many people are astonished at the culture that has been brought on by rock (Weissman 59). They choose to accept it seeing the distance that the growth has come. It has been a long journey for all those who instigated, and sparked a new revolution in music. This is the contribution they bear to the world, and music lovers that focus solely on that genre. To improve the influence that the traditional, folk music has on music further, its history must and should be preserved. The growth and development should be preserved for people across different cultures to know of the importance of such fusion in music. The effects of such innovativeness and creativity on the world, during that time, are being felt to this day (Whadhams 29). They will continue to improve the quality of rock music being made. In conclusion, the dependence that rock music developed on traditional, folk music led to the growth a different genre altogether. This is the folk rock genre. Its global acceptance has enabled the pioneers of this genre to be known as legends among men. Ever since its inception, it has been able to grow and achieve heights that other well-known genres have achieved. Folk rock can now be mentioned alongside other great genres, for example, jazz, soul among other popular genres (Weissman 65). The faster this music is accepted, the more it will grow and achieve much higher heights. Greater than the heights it has achieved so far. The influences that led to the growth of this genre in music should create a challenge to the other entire world performers today. They should accept the challenge and produce a genre that may take the music industry to different, higher levels. Works cited Brocken, M. The USA Folk Revival 1944-2002. London: Sage Publishers, 2003. Print. Logan, N. and Woffinden, B. The Illustrated New Musical Express Encyclopaedia of Rock. New York: Free Press, 1977. Print. Unterberger, R. Turn! Turn! Turn: The '60s Folk-Rock Revolution. London: Macmillan Publishers, 2002. Print. Wadhams, W. Inside The Hits: The Seduction Of A Rock And Roll Generation. New York: McGraw Hill, 2001. Print. Weissman, D. Which Side Are You On? An Inside History of the Folk Music Revival in America. New York: PULP, 2006. Print.  Read More