What is the Difference Between Folk and Country

Folk and country are two music genres that share many similarities. In fact, some people assume that there is no difference between folk and country music. However, this is a misconception. There are several differences between the two.

The key difference between folk and country music is their themes and popularity. Country music often focuses on themes like rural life, heartbreak, and personal struggles and is more popular in mainstream media, whereas folk music focuses on broader social issues and is less popular in mainstream media.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Country Music
3. What is Folk Music
4. Similarities – Folk and Country 
5. Folk vs Country in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Folk and Country

What is Country Music?

Country music is a genre of music that originated in the Southern region of the United States. It was first produced in the 1920s. Country music is influenced by American folk music like old-time music and Appalachian music, as well as other musical traditions like Irish, Mexican, and Hawaiian music. It also uses elements of rock and roll, blues, and gospel music.

This genre of music mainly focused on the working-class people of America and rural life. It told tales of love gone wrong, lonely cowboys, lost cattle, and hard-drinking at the saloons. In fact, it was once called the hillbilly music. Country music is known for its dance tunes and ballads with simple form, folk lyrics, and harmonies accompanied by instruments like banjos, harmonicas, fiddles, mandolins, upright bass, and various types of guitars like acoustic guitars and electric guitars.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre that involves both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. Contemporary folk music evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Traditional folk music has several characteristics and features that make it different from other music genres. Traditional folk music is transmitted orally from generations; it has no known composer or singers, and it’s played on traditional instruments, usually whatever instrument was available to them. Most folk songs are also unique to a particular region. In the mid-20th century, a new type of popular folk music progressed from traditional folk music. This was called the folk revival or second wave of folk music.

Contemporary folk music often uses the acoustic guitar and other instruments like banjo, fiddle, and harmonica. It often has simple, repetitive melodies. This genre focuses on narrating stories and conveying messages. In fact, it often addresses political and social issues and has even been used as a type of protest music.

Similarities Between Folk and Country

1. Both folk music and country music involve the tales of working-class people.
2. Both genres sound alike as they have simple and repetitive melodies and narrative lyrics.
3. They use a memorable chorus or phrase to engage the listeners.
4. They use instruments like guitars, banjos, upright bass, fiddles, and mandolins.
5. Artists like Jimmy Rogers, Roger Miller, Woody Guthrie, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash were involved in both folk and country music genres.

Difference Between Folk and Country

Definition

1. Folk music is a genre that involves both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music.
2. Country music is a genre of music that originated in the Southern region of the United States in the 1920s.

Themes

1. Folk music often focuses on themes of love, loss, social issues, and storytelling.
2. Country music often focuses on themes like rural life, heartbreak, and personal struggles.

Tempo

1. Folk music has a slower and more contemplative tempo than country music.
2. Country music is known for its upbeat tempo.

Popularity

1. Country music has a strong presence in the mainstream media and has a wider audience.
2. Folk music is more niche and less commercialized.

The following table summarizes the difference between folk and country music.

FAQ: Folk and Country

1. Is folk the same as country?

• Folk and country music are not the same. Folk music is traditional and often tells stories or talks about social issues using acoustic instruments. Country music evolved from folk and includes themes about love, heartbreak, and rural life.

2. What are the major differences between folk country and pop music?

• Folk music is traditional, with simple stories and acoustic instruments. Country music often talks about love and rural life, using guitars and fiddles. Pop music is modern, catchy, and produced with electronic sounds, focusing on current trends and a wide audience.

3. Is there a difference between country and western?

• Country music focuses on rural life and emotions, using guitars and fiddles. Western music focuses on cowboy themes and the American West, often with a more distinct, old-time sound.

4. Who was the first country singer?

• The first country singer widely recognized is Jimmie Rodgers, often called the “Father of Country Music.” Some of his most famous works include “Blue Yodel (T for Texas),” “In the Jailhouse Now,” and “Waiting for a Train.” He gained popularity in the late 1920s.

5. What makes a song country?

• A country song typically has lyrics about rural life, love, and emotions. It often features instruments like guitars, fiddles, and banjos and has a simple storytelling style.

Reference:

1. “Country Music.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Contemporary Folk Music.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Country Music Singer Craig Campbell and band entertain” (Public Domain) via NARA and DVIDS Public Domain Archive

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