Folk rock facts for kids

Folk rock is a cool type of music that mixes folk music with modern rock music. It started becoming popular in the mid-1960s. Bands like the Byrds were some of the first to play this new sound.

A big moment for folk rock happened in 1965. The famous folk singer Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival. He surprised everyone by using an electric guitar! This was a huge deal because folk music usually used acoustic instruments. After this, many groups wanted to try playing folk songs with a rock style. Some of these groups included Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Pentangle and Alan Stivell.

What is Folk Rock Music?

Folk rock takes the storytelling and acoustic sounds of traditional folk music. Then, it adds the electric instruments and strong beats of rock music. Think of it like blending two different flavors to make a new, exciting one! This style often uses instruments like acoustic guitars, but also electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums.

How Folk Rock Started

Folk rock really took off in the 1960s. Many young people were listening to both folk and rock music. Folk music often had lyrics about social issues and peace. Rock music was exciting and energetic. When artists started mixing them, it created a powerful new sound.

Key Moments in Folk Rock

The mid-1960s was a very important time for folk rock.

• 1965: The Byrds released their version of Bob Dylan's song "Mr. Tambourine Man." This song became a huge hit and showed how folk songs could be made into rock songs.
• 1965: Bob Dylan played his electric set at the Newport Folk Festival. This event sparked a lot of discussion but also inspired many musicians.

Famous Folk Rock Artists

Many artists helped make folk rock popular.

• Bob Dylan: He was a key figure who bridged folk and rock.
• The Byrds: They were pioneers in creating the folk rock sound.
• Simon & Garfunkel: This duo created beautiful folk rock songs with amazing harmonies.
• Fairport Convention: This British band helped create British folk rock.
• Steeleye Span: Another British band known for their electric versions of traditional folk songs.

The Sound of Folk Rock

Folk rock often has clear vocals and lyrics that tell a story. The music can be upbeat and catchy, or more thoughtful and serious. It often uses a mix of acoustic and electric instruments. You might hear acoustic guitars, mandolins, or banjos alongside electric guitars, bass, and drums.

Instruments Used in Folk Rock

• Acoustic Guitar: Often used for the main melody or rhythm.
• Electric Guitar: Adds a rock edge, sometimes with solos.
• Bass Guitar: Provides the low-end foundation.
• Drums: Keeps the beat and adds energy.
• Keyboards: Sometimes used to add texture.
• Traditional Instruments: Some bands also use instruments like fiddles, flutes, or accordions.

Folk Rock Around the World

While folk rock started in the United States and the United Kingdom, it spread to other countries too. Different cultures added their own traditional folk sounds to the rock style. This created unique types of folk rock in places like Ireland, France, and Canada.

Images for kids

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  Pete Seeger entertaining Eleanor Roosevelt (center), at a racially integrated Valentine's Day party.

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  Bob Dylan was the most influential of all the urban folk-protest songwriters.

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  Bob Dylan in 1963.

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  Folk rock musicians Simon & Garfunkel performing in Dublin

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  Simon Nicol and Ric Sanders of Fairport Convention performing at Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2005

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  Merle Haggard and others influenced the sound of artists such as Bob Dylan, Ian and Sylvia, and the Byrds who adopted the sound of country music in the late 1960s.

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  John Renbourn in 2005

See also

In Spanish: Folk rock para niños