Essay On Folk Music

Folk music can be defined as any style of music which represents a community. Folk music encompasses many aspects of human life; however, the main aspect of folk music focuses on hard times. As times change, folk music has evolved. Folk music has impacted many genres in the music industry and continues to impact the industry today. One of the most common genres that derived from folk music is bluegrass. Bluegrass music is defined as a type of folk music originating in Kentucky characterized by a simple harmonized accompaniment. Bluegrass was originally named mountain music and was brought over from Ireland, Scotland, and England. Bluegrass as we know it did not develop until after World War II. Early on, bluegrass focused on religious, reflection on life on the farm, and day to day life. Bluegrass, …show more content…
Country is defined as a popular music based on the folk style of the southern rural United States. Country music was originally named hillbilly music but was found to be derogatory and changed to country and western music. As with bluegrass, country music has a deep reverence for and connection to the past. Country music’s main focus early on was practical issues such as logging, mining, and real world experiences. Focus shifted to signing about struggles and emotions. Country music continues to have these themes in today’s music, which contributes to country music being one of the most popular genres today. Yet another type of music derived from folk music is blues. Blues music is defined as a type of folk music devised by African Americans at the beginning of the 20th century. Blues music originated on Southern Plantations and began to evolve once the music moved from the Southern states as early as 1930. Predominately blues music emphasized overcoming hard luck, personal adversity, and riding oneself of frustration. Blues music is also known for freely expressing