Folk Music: The Bridge between the Past and the Present
Strickland
Gloria Strickland
Mrs. Coy
APLit
5 December 2014
Folk Music: The Bridge between the Past and the Present
Sometimes the strongest way to get a story or point across is through words of song. In a historical point of view, the oldest and most effective style of music that has had a major impact throughout the world is folkstyle music. Many of the United States’ immigrants from Europe were drawn to, and influences to, the music in the South, mainly during the 1800’s (Cohen). The definition of folklore has been a widely discussed topic, but as far as folk music goes, most can agree that it is defined as traditional music that has been orally passed on through the generations
(Gomme). Many different ethnicities and ages of people have influenced today’s folk music to some degree. There is no set style that all folk music follows, given that it has no set origin. The importance of this cultural genre of music is, however, recognized and different people and organizations have worked to protect it (Reuss). Folk music festivals grew popular during the
19th and 20th century, which drew many people from abroad to the United States(Cohen). Folk music holds a potential key to understanding life through the generations. Folk music’s origination in America is debated as to whether or not it comes from the American Indians or from the immigration of people from Europe. However, no matter it’s actual origination. it is still a very valuable aspect to our nation’s history.
The United States is rich in American Indian history. Such civilizations were/have been a substantial influence to the considerations of expanding the definition of folk music (Donaldson).
Strickland
Many folklorists would agree that American Indians laid the foundation to folklore while preserving their history and identity through instrumentation and song (Lee). Still today,
“contemporary Oklahoma Indians continue to build a cultural foundation upon these ancient
Gloria Strickland
Mrs. Coy
APLit
5 December 2014
Folk Music: The Bridge between the Past and the Present
Sometimes the strongest way to get a story or point across is through words of song. In a historical point of view, the oldest and most effective style of music that has had a major impact throughout the world is folkstyle music. Many of the United States’ immigrants from Europe were drawn to, and influences to, the music in the South, mainly during the 1800’s (Cohen). The definition of folklore has been a widely discussed topic, but as far as folk music goes, most can agree that it is defined as traditional music that has been orally passed on through the generations
(Gomme). Many different ethnicities and ages of people have influenced today’s folk music to some degree. There is no set style that all folk music follows, given that it has no set origin. The importance of this cultural genre of music is, however, recognized and different people and organizations have worked to protect it (Reuss). Folk music festivals grew popular during the
19th and 20th century, which drew many people from abroad to the United States(Cohen). Folk music holds a potential key to understanding life through the generations. Folk music’s origination in America is debated as to whether or not it comes from the American Indians or from the immigration of people from Europe. However, no matter it’s actual origination. it is still a very valuable aspect to our nation’s history.
The United States is rich in American Indian history. Such civilizations were/have been a substantial influence to the considerations of expanding the definition of folk music (Donaldson).
Strickland
Many folklorists would agree that American Indians laid the foundation to folklore while preserving their history and identity through instrumentation and song (Lee). Still today,
“contemporary Oklahoma Indians continue to build a cultural foundation upon these ancient
Cited: Celebration. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, Inc, 2008. Print. Music for the People: The Folk Music Revival And American Identity, 19301970. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1892. Print. . Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1972. Print. PBS American Roots Music : Into the Classroom Historical Background. The Ginger Group, 2001. Web. 13 November 2014. American Folk Music and Leftwing Politics, 19271957. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, Inc, 2000. Print.