Famous Musicians

1. Famous Musicians Folk Music

2. Folk Artists and Ensembles

3. Woody Guthrie An American singer-songwriter and folk musician whose musical legacy includes hundreds of traditional, political, and children’s songs. Many of his songs are about his experiences during the Great Depression when he traveled with migrant workers, learning their traditional folk and blues songs earning him the nickname “The Dust Bowl Troubador”. There is an annual folk festival held in Oaklahoma to commemorate his life and work. His best known song is “This Land is Your Land.”

4. Johnny Cash (1932-2003) Singer, actor, and author. Considered one of the most influential American Musicians of the 20th century. P rimarilya country singer, he also embraced rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel. Inducted into Country, Rock and Roll, and Gospel music halls of fame. Known for many things, including a humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and for wearing black. Played guitar and began playing and writing songs at age 12. Themes in his music included sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, and he had great empathy for the Native Americans. Inspired by the great depression. Best known songs are “I Walk the Line”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Ring of Fire”, “Man in Black”, Get Rhythm.”

5. Bob Dylan (1941) American singer-songwriter, artist, and writer. Influential for more than 50 years. Some of his early songs such as “The Times they Are A-Changin’” became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. His song “Like a Rolling Stone’ radically altered the parameters of popular music in 1965, and was he was often criticized for his use of electronic instruments. Common themes in his music included political, social, philosophical, and literary influences. His artwork has been exhibited in major art galleries. Sold more than 100 million records and received many awards, including a Pillitzer Prize.

6. The Mamas and the Papas American folk rock vocal group that performed from 1965-1968, releasing five albums and 17 singles. Well-known songs adapted folk harmonies to the new beat style of the early sixties. Songs include “Monday, Monday” and “My Girl.” Peter, Paul, and Mary Career lasted about 50 years. Influenced by Woody Guthrie, and other folk musicians. Known for “Puff, the Magic Dragon”, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, and sang several Bob Dylan songs.

7. Simon and Garfunkle An American music duo that came to fame in 1965. They are known for their vocal harmonies and are among the most popular recording artists of the 1960s. Their biggest hits include “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, and “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”. They broke up in 1970. Many popular TV programs have parodied the duo, including “Saturday Night Live” and “Futurama”. Mumford and Sons English folk rock band formed in 2007. In 2013 their CD Babel won the Grammy Award For Album of the Year. In September 2013 they announced they were taking a break, but Meeting in February 2014 to write new music. Lyrical influences include Shakespeare, G.K. Chesterton, and other works of literature.

8. The Franz Family The Franz Family is a bluegrass folk group consisting of Randy and Ruth Ann Franz and their five children. After 20 years of touring they decided to put down roots and settle down, but they continue record and perform regularly. The music of the Franz Family includes classic bluegrass style banjo-picking and fiddle playing, traditional sacred music, as well as originals written by Emmet Franz, the ensemble’s dobro player. (Glory) “In a world of dark uncertainties and monopolized ambitions, there is still something that touches the soul. Music. It’s that universal bond that relates to the heart. A call to feel. Regardless of language or traditions, it takes the deepest longings and tremors of the heart and brings it forward for you to see.” –Olivia Franz