Folk Musicians and Reviews

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."

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.

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

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

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.

I talk to Hay Fever's Zohreh Gervais about the band's genesis, their creative process and their latest album entitled The River

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

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.

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

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.

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.

England has a rich collection of traditional folk songs. This article includes performances of four songs and describes the interesting background of the music.

Here are ten country songs that I think don't suck. Grab a PBR and get listenin'! (Seriously, don't get a PBR. They're nasty. Try a Rolling Rock instead?)

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