Cultural Commentary: Real Music about Things That Matter - The Survival of Folk

Authors

Gil Bliss

Abstract

Following a decade-long slump, folk music is enjoying a return to popularity. The term “folk” should refer to music made by common people, not to the media definition of folk music that elicits visions of hay bales, hootenannies and country hicks. Although many younger music aficionados may not understand this, there once was a time when American musical tastes were not dictated by MTV, force-fed radio programming at even the money-hungry corporate record business. Musicians were able to entertain the public even if they had not made videos. Before electric guitars, Walkman units, microphones, stereo television, or even electricity, people managed to amuse themselves with tunes and styles of music learned and performed around the home.

Note on the Author

Gil Bliss is an art critic and member of the Bridgewater State College Class of 1981.

Recommended Citation

Bliss, Gil (1986). Cultural Commentary: Real Music about Things That Matter - The Survival of Folk. Bridgewater Review, 4(1), 17-19.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/br_rev/vol4/iss1/10