History of Folk music in Timeline

Folk music encompasses both traditional and contemporary genres, with roots in the 20th-century folk revival. Traditional folk music is characterized by oral transmission, unknown composers, traditional instrumentation, and themes of cultural identity. It often reflects a people's folklore and evolves over generations, distinguishing it from commercial and classical music. Although the term "folk music" emerged in the 19th century, the genre's origins predate this period.

1906: Isaac Albéniz Composes Suite Iberia

Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz started composing his renowned piano suite, "Suite Iberia," in 1906, reflecting his Spanish heritage. The suite, completed in 1909, is considered a masterpiece of Spanish musical nationalism.

1909: Death of Isaac Albéniz

Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, known for his piano works reflecting his Spanish heritage, such as the "Suite Iberia," passed away in 1909.

1911: John Lomax Publishes "Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads"

John Lomax, a leading figure in American folk music scholarship, published his influential work "Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads" in 1911.

1915: Krisjanis Barons Publishes Final Volume of Latvju Dainas

In 1915, Krisjanis Barons completed a significant endeavor by publishing the sixth and final volume of "Latvju dainas," a collection containing the texts of over 200,000 Latvian folk songs.

1916: Cecil Sharp Begins Recording Appalachian Folk Music

Cecil Sharp, a prominent figure in folk music scholarship, began recording traditional songs in the Appalachian Mountains in 1916.

1918: Cecil Sharp Concludes Appalachian Recordings

Cecil Sharp concluded his extensive recording project of Appalachian folk music in 1918.

1918: Death of Enrique Granados

Spanish composer Enrique Granados, known for his contributions to zarzuela (Spanish light opera) and compositions like "Danzas Españolas" (Spanish Dances), died in 1918.

1920: End of the British Folk Revival

The British Folk Revival, a period of renewed interest in traditional folk music, came to an end around 1920. This era marked an important moment in the history of folk music.

1922: Jean Ritchie is Born

Jean Ritchie, a significant figure in preserving and popularizing Appalachian folk music, was born in Viper, Kentucky in 1922.

1927: Carl Sandburg Publishes "The American Songbag"

American writer Carl Sandburg released his collection of folk songs, "The American Songbag," in 1927. The book provided a diverse look at American folk music traditions.

1928: First United States Folk Music Festival

The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford, took place in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1928. It is often considered the earliest folk music festival in the United States.

1933: Alan Lomax Begins Recording for the Library of Congress

Alan Lomax started his influential work of recording and archiving American folk music under the auspices of the Library of Congress in 1933.

1934: Establishment of the National Folk Festival (USA)

The National Folk Festival (USA), an itinerant folk festival run by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), was established in 1934. It has since been presented in various communities across the United States, promoting traditional arts and culture.

1934: National Folk Festival Established in St. Louis

The National Folk Festival was founded in 1934 by Sarah Gertrude Knott in St. Louis, Missouri, marking a significant moment in the increasing popularity and recognition of folk music.

1936: Formation of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) was established in 1936 after the Canadian Radio League lobbied for a national public broadcaster. The CBC's creation aimed to promote Canadian music, including traditional folk music, amidst the growing influence of American radio networks in the 1920s and 1930s.

1937: Eastern Bloc Folk Dance Troupes Begin Touring

Folk dance troupes from nations within the Eastern Bloc, such as Russia and Poland, initiated tours throughout non-communist Europe in 1937, showcasing traditional dance forms to wider audiences.

1937: Alan Lomax Records in Haiti and Eastern Kentucky

In 1937, Alan Lomax conducted significant recording expeditions in Haiti and Eastern Kentucky, capturing a wealth of traditional music and cultural expressions.

1937: National Folk Festival Moves to Washington, D.C.

Under the sponsorship of the Washington Post, the National Folk Festival relocated to Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in 1937.

1942: Alan Lomax Concludes Early Recordings for the Library of Congress

Alan Lomax concluded his initial phase of recordings for the Library of Congress in 1942.

1942: National Folk Festival Held for the Last Time in Washington, D.C.

The National Folk Festival was held in Washington, D.C., for the final time in 1942.

1946: Alan Lomax Begins Independent Archiving

Alan Lomax embarked on an independent venture to document and preserve folk music traditions, beginning in 1946, resulting in a massive collection of recordings, films, and photographs.

1946: Death of Manuel de Falla

Influential Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, known for incorporating elements of Andalusian flamenco into his works like "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" and "Siete canciones populares españolas," passed away in 1946.

1954: Start of the Sidmouth Festival

The Sidmouth Festival, a popular folk music festival, was first held in Sidmouth, England, in 1954. The festival is known for its traditional music and dance performances.

1958: "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" Recorded in Canada

The traditional Irish folk song "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" was recorded in Canada in 1958.

1959: Start of the Newport Folk Festival

The Newport Folk Festival, a renowned annual folk music event, was first held near Newport, Rhode Island, in 1959. The festival quickly gained popularity, attracting approximately 10,000 attendees annually.

1959: "Folk" Category Introduced at Grammy Awards

The increasing popularity of "contemporary folk" recordings led to the creation of a dedicated "Folk" category in the Grammy Awards in 1959.

1961: Jeannie Robertson Records "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day"

Scottish traveler Jeannie Robertson recorded her version of "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" in 1961, adding personal touches and references to her family history.

1962: Start of the Philadelphia Folk Festival

The Philadelphia Folk Festival, a four-day event, commenced in 1962. Organized by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, the festival features a diverse lineup of contemporary and traditional artists from various genres.

1965: Start of the Cambridge Folk Festival

The Cambridge Folk Festival, known for its inclusive approach to folk music, was established in Cambridge, England, in 1965. The festival features a wide range of folk artists and provides a platform for both established and emerging musicians.

1970: First Hiatus of the Newport Folk Festival

After running for over a decade, the Newport Folk Festival went on its first hiatus in 1970. The festival would later be revived in 1985, continuing to be a prominent event in the folk music scene.

1970: Grammy Award Category Renamed

The "Folk" category in the Grammy Awards was replaced with "Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording (including Traditional Blues)" in 1970.

1974: Isabelle Mills Publishes on Canadian Folk Music

In 1974, Isabelle Mills highlighted the importance of understanding Canadian history for comprehending its diverse folk music scene. She emphasized the influence of European and Anglo-Saxon settlers who brought their musical traditions to Canada.

1976: Archie Fisher Modifies "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day"

Scottish artist Archie Fisher released a version of "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" in 1976, notably removing the reference to a dog being shot.

1985: Revival of the Newport Folk Festival

The Newport Folk Festival was revived in 1985 after a 15-year hiatus. The festival's return was welcomed by folk music enthusiasts, and it has continued to be a significant platform for folk artists ever since.

1985: The Pogues Reintroduce Irish References to "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day"

The Pogues' 1985 rendition of "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" restored the Irish references that had been present in earlier versions of the song.

1987: Grammy Award Categories Separated

The Grammy Awards established separate awards for "Best Traditional Folk Recording" and "Best Contemporary Folk Recording" in 1987, recognizing the distinction between these two styles.

1990: Eastern Bloc Folk Dance Tours End

With the fall of the Iron Curtain and the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc, state-sponsored tours of folk dance troupes from these nations came to an end in 1990.

January 2012: Library of Congress Announces Release of Alan Lomax's Archive

In January 2012, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, in collaboration with the Association for Cultural Equity, revealed their plan to digitally release Alan Lomax's extensive archive of folk music recordings.

March 2012: Alan Lomax's Archive Made Available Online

A large portion of Alan Lomax's archive, containing thousands of recordings captured from 1946 onwards, was made accessible online for free in March 2012.

2015: Jean Ritchie Passes Away

Jean Ritchie, a celebrated performer and preserver of Appalachian folk music, passed away in 2015.