What is it in particular that created the impression that folk music is so much more authentic than pop music?
In the end, the all-embracing question must be the one of authenticity in music, a very complex issue in rock and pop music. To understand the reaction of the audience the day Bob Dylan went electric, it is crucial to examine the roots of folk music, to comprehend its relationship with social change during the 60’s and to point out where the glorified importance of ‘being authentic’ in folk music came from. Having collected such information, it shall be possible to have a balanced view on the statement in the headline.
Folk music, in a very historical sense, is ‘music, usually of simple character and anonymous authorship, handed down among the common people by oral tradition’. Examples of ‘true’ folk songs would be sea shanties or camp-meeting songs. These roots in traditional storytelling are of big importance, because, for unlike pop music, folk for the young adults in the 1950s-60s was held up as ‘the authentic voice of the people’ (Barker & Taylor, 2007).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Authenticity in Folk Music
- What is folk music?
- The roots of American folk music
- The folk revivalists
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay critically discusses the commercial intentions within folk music and the 'true' folk ethos. It explores the roots of folk music, investigates the role of authenticity in the genre, and analyzes the impact of commercialization on the folk revival movement.
- The concept of authenticity in folk music
- The relationship between folk music and social change
- The impact of commercialization on folk music
- The role of the folk revival movement
- The cultural and historical significance of folk music
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Authenticity in Folk Music: This chapter introduces the central theme of authenticity in folk music and explores the conflicting perspectives on its role in the genre. It examines the historical context of folk music and its evolution over time.
- What is folk music?: This chapter delves into the definition of folk music, exploring its historical origins and traditional characteristics. It also contrasts folk music with pop music, highlighting the perceived differences in authenticity.
- The roots of American folk music: This chapter examines the development of American folk music, tracing its origins and influences. It explores the cultural context of early American folk music and its relationship to social change.
- The folk revivalists: This chapter focuses on the folk revival movement of the 1950s and 1960s, examining its motivations, cultural impact, and relationship to commercialization. It also explores the role of artists like John Hurt and Bob Dylan in the movement.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Folk music, authenticity, commercialization, social change, folk revival, Bob Dylan, John Hurt, American music, blues, pop music, traditional music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is folk music often perceived as more "authentic" than pop music?
Folk music is historically seen as the "authentic voice of the people," rooted in oral tradition and simple character, whereas pop music is often associated with commercial manufacturing.
What are the traditional roots of American folk music?
American folk roots include sea shanties, camp-meeting songs, and blues, characterized by anonymous authorship and transmission among common people.
What was the impact of the 1950s-60s folk revival?
The revival movement, featuring artists like Bob Dylan and John Hurt, brought folk music to young adults as a tool for social change, though it also faced challenges due to increasing commercialization.
Why was Bob Dylan's switch to electric guitar controversial?
Many fans felt it betrayed the "true" folk ethos and authenticity of the genre, which was traditionally acoustic and perceived as being untainted by commercial pop trends.
Can commercial folk music still be considered authentic?
The essay discusses the tension between commercial intentions and the folk ethos, questioning if the glorified importance of "being authentic" is a cultural construct or a reality.
- Citar trabajo
- Engin Devekiran (Autor), 2016, Authenticity in Folk Music, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/345470
