Folk Musicians and Reviews

Julie Fowlis is a popular Scottish folk singer and musician. She generally sings in Gaelic and is involved in collecting the traditional songs of the Hebrides.

From Emmylou Harris to Johnny Cash, Doc Watson and Kate Wolf, First Aid Kit and Valerine June, roots music and folk have evolved from many genres. If you are looking for the ultimate list of contemporary and traditional folk and old time music, here it is.

This beloved folk song about a little boy and his imaginary dragon named Puff was released by the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary in 1963. The song was written by Leonard Lipton, whose inspiration for the song came from the poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon."

For years, the Appalachian region has been a creative reservoir for many types of music. This is especially true for C & W songwriters, who have chosen to leave their mountain homes to find success in Nashville, both at the Grand Ole Opry and the many recording labels that flourish in Music City.

Sea shanties came from the era of the tall-masted sailing ships of yesteryear, and they had their own language in songs.

Raven She Hollers is a band that plays incredible roots music that spans generations.

Trees can be beautiful and impressive. They have inspired the lyrics of many songs, including some lovely folk and traditional songs of England, Scotland, and Wales.

Some of the best country songs ever made are male/female duets. There is something inherently powerful about the way these songs blend both voices and perspectives to create a relatable narrative.

Jimmy MacCarthy is a leading Irish songwriter. He creates contemporary folk songs that often contain interesting imagery that can be interpreted in several ways.

Hobos or bums have most likely been around since we abandoned our hunter-gathering societies and created city-states. In the USA, songs about hard times often go back to the Great Depression, but in reality the roots are much deeper. Following are ten 20th century tunes about being out on the lam.

No matter how you look at it, the Mississippi River defines the American experience better than any other waterway within the United States. Notwithstanding, there exist a whole slurry of songs and stories that further describe life on the mighty river. These songs express the power of this river.

Scotland and Ireland have a rich musical heritage. It's interesting, enjoyable, and sometimes educational to explore traditional folk songs from the two countries.

Wales has a wonderful musical heritage. Folk and traditional songs are an important part of Welsh culture. The country is known for its vocal music, singers, and choirs.

The Old West is a much fabled part of our national culture. Selected here are ten songs and ballads that reflect the richness and adversity of those who ventured into the region, as it was being settled.

I talked to Kevin Roy about how he first fell in love with music, his creative process and how he recharges his batteries to keep on creating new music.