Folk music, also known as traditional music, has been around for ages. But what happens when you combine a tale as old as time with new, British-invasion-esque rock and roll? Folk Rock. But what is Folk Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Folk Rock.

Folk rock is just that - a hybrid music style that combines elements of the folk genre with popular rock and roll styles. It gained popularity in the early 60s following a folk music revival, and was made popular by The Byrds and, much to the chagrin of his folk purist fanbase, Bob Dylan.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Folk Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

Dylan Goes Electric at the Newport Folk Festival

Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize

Folk Rock

Folk Rock Music Guide

What is Diatonic Harmony?

Folk Rock

Folk Rock 101

Bob Dylan - Biography

The Byrds Biography

Buffalo Springfield

Joni Mitchell

The Mamas and the Papas