Folk Artists A-J

If anyone can be said to be doing the work of Woody Guthrie these days, it's UK-based singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. Learn more about Billy Bragg with this basic bio and introductory profile.

Ian & Sylvia were a popular folk and country duo from Canada who rose to popularity in the US during the mid-20th Century folk music revival. Learn more about Ian and Sylvia with this profile, including a biography and recommended CDs and MP3s.

Harry Belafonte is well-known not only as an American folk and calypso singer, but also as actor and activist. Learn more about Harry Belafonte's music with this biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Shawn Colvin is one of the most beloved women in contemporary American folk music. Due to her confessional, smart, narrative songs, she has earned her place among the contemporary folk elite. Learn more about Shawn Colvin with this full biography and profile, including recommended CDs and Shawn Colvin MP3s.

Devil Makes Three is a trio from Santa Cruz, California, whose music blends classic and contemporary folk, country, blues, rockabilly, punk, and bluegrass. Learn more about Devil Makes Three with this biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

David Bazan's music continues the creative arc of his former band Pedro the Lion, tapping into musical influences which seem prevalent in the Northwest music scene. Fans of Bazan might appreciate similar Northwestern indie folk artists like Fleet Foxes, Cave Singers, and Loch Lomond. Larn more about David Bazan with this full bio and profile.

Bearfoot has been making progressive bluegrass music for nearly a decade, churning out an average of one album every three years. In the wake of their latest album's release, Bearfoot lead singer Odessa Jorgenson was kind enough to chat with me about filling Analisa Tornfelt’s shoes and the new album.

The Felice Brothers have, in a very short time, become one of the most vibrant new artists in contemporary folk and Americana music. Since the release of their debut album in 2006, the New York City-based quintet has been turning heads at festivals, bars, and clubs around the country. Currently on the road promoting their third album, 'Yonder is the Clock' (Team Love), James Felice was kind enough to chat with About.com Folk Music about the new disc, busking, and life on the road.

Blind Pilot is one of the most buzzed-about bands coming out of the vibrant Portland, Oregon, folk and roots music scene over the past year or so. Learn more about Blind Pilot, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

The Alamanac Singers were the first American folk music group to organize and popularize protest and political music.

Andrew Bird started his career playing classic folk and Irish songs on violin, and has since grown into one of contemporary folk music's most reliable innovators. Learn more about Andrew Bird's music, including his biography, recommended CDs and MP3s.

Joan Armatrading is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose music has inspired and influenced countless others. Learn more about singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Austin, Texas, supergroup Asylum Street Spankers is one of the best up-and-coming country blues groups around. Learn more about this talented sextet, and find some recommended MP3s and CDs.

The Avett Brothers have been playing music all their lives, but didn't become the band by that name until 2000. Learn more about the Avett Brothers.

Going strong for over 60 years, the Blind Boys blend traditional gospel with contemporary folk songs.

Dock Boggs is often considered one of the most important figures in the history of old time music, and is an inspiration to several key members of the 21st century old time music revival.

Folk-blues troubador Greg Brown is best known for his low, grumbly voice and smooth, poetic lyrics that knock you sideways.

Pieta Brown may be Greg Brown's daughter, but her music sounds more like a marriage of Lucinda Williams and Johnny Cash.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Jackson Browne quickly became one of America's most beloved songwriters. His latest album, Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007.

Sam Bush is one of the most respected players in contemporary bluegrass and new acoustic music. Learn more about Sam Bush, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops is not the first person to tell me they think the U.S. is on the verge of an old time music and stringband revival. "All those punk kids," he says, "are dropping their electric guitars and picking up fiddles and banjos."

The Carter Family was a country-folk band that eventually became one of the most influential groups in the history of folk, country, bluegrass, and southern gospel music.

Established in 1999, most of the Cherryholmes family band began playing their instruments for the first time that same year. By 2005, they had been named the Entertainers of the Year at the IBMA Awards.

alt.country troubadour Guy Clark is often applauded for his deeply lyrical narrative folk songs.

Leonard Cohen is one of Canada's greatest poets, novelists, and contemporary folk singer/songwriters.

One of America's favorite traditional and contemporary topical singer/songwriters

Kimya Dawson's imagery-laden narrative songs are so original, it's hard to draw comparisons. Fans of Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, and Ani DiFranco will likely enjoy her work, even though it doesn't sound much like those artists.

Hazel Dickens has been a consummate force in the bluegrass, country and folk worlds, working and singing for feminist issues and the rights of the working class.

Los Angeles-based duo the Ditty Bops is one of the most innovative nostalgic bands in contemporary folk music, marrying ragtime, western swing, folk, jazz and vaudeville with live puppet shows and other tools of fun, not to mention great music.

Virginia's Dixe Bee-Liners started out in New York City. Learn more about this hot new bluegrass band, including their bio, best records, and download MP3s

The Dubliners is an Irish folk group founded by singer and guitarist Ronnie Drew in 1962. Originally called the Ronnie Drew Group, they changed their name to the Dubliners, named for the novel by Irish author James Joyce.

Justin Townes Earle straddles that fine line between folk and classic country music, frequently calling to mind the influence of Townes Van Zandt, Merle Haggard, and Ramblin' Jack. He's also one of the finest new songwriters on the contemporary folk scene. Learn more about Justin Townes Earle, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

With sweet four-part harmonies and clear folk-rock influences, EFO has been winning fans over across the US for more than a decade.

One of Alt Country's edgiest and most influential troubadours.

the everybodyfields are widely hailed as one of the most notable artists in the new generation of alt-country artists. Learn more about this talented band.

The Felice Brothers may be of interest to anyone into the work of Townes Van Zandt, the Avett Brothers, or '60s folk-rockers like Bob Dylan adn the Byrds.

Lester Flatt is often considered one of the greatest bluegrass artists of all time. As an early member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys and then through nearly 20 years of collaboration with Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt made an indelible mark on American bluegrass.

Contemporary-progressive bluegrass banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck is often regarded as one of the best bluegrass pickers in the world.

The Fleet Foxes were one of the most talked-about new folk-rock bands of 2008, following the release of their self-titled SubPop debut. Learn more about this Seattle-based band, including Fleet Foxes MP3s and recommended CDs.

Singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg was one of the wave of sensitive singer-songwriters in the 70s, whose work was influenced by jazz, folk, pop and country.

Portland, Oregon's Foghorn Stringband is among the leaders of the new old time music revival.

Ruthie Foster is one of the best new voices in contemporary folk, blues, and soul music. Learn more about this stellar genre-bending artist, including Ruthie Foster CDs and MP3s.

Vance Gilbert has, for decades now, been bringing his soulful, stirring brand of contemporary folk singer-songwriter music to clubs, theaters and festivals throughout the country. Learn more about Vance Gilbert, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Eliza Gilkyson grew up in Los Angeles, the daughter of successful singer/songwriter Terry Gilkyson.

Since winning the Kerrville New Folk competition in 1984, Gorka has gone on to become one of the most prominent contemporary American folk songwriters.

Great Lake Swimmers have seven years and four albums under their belt, and are finally starting to get the attention they deserve. Learn more about this up-and-coming Canadian folk-rock band, including recommended CDs by Great Lake Swimmers and MP3s.

Griffith has dabbled in country, pop, and folk, and is considered one of the best female singer/songwriters in the folk circles.

The Hackensaw Boys are a full-throttle bluegrass band, marrying elements of old timey folk music with punk rock and other styles. Learn more about this exciting up-and-coming troupe, including Hackensaw Boys CDs and MP3s.

Ed Hamell (Hamell on Trial) was born in Syracuse, New York, and started playing guitar at age seven. After joining some bands in his 20s, he decided to just call himself by a band name and go solo.

Folk's favorite cowgirl, and a living legend.

Jolie Holland helped found the trio Be Good Tanyas, and has since forged a fierce path as a solo artist. Learn more about Jolie Holland, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Boston-based singer/songwriter Meg Hutchinson is one of the most promising new contemporary folk artists on the scene.

All the members of the Infamous Stringdusters have had rather illustrious careers as backup and session players. Learn more about this exciting all-star bluegrass band.

Learn more about Iron and Wine with this introductory bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Eilen Jewell's 2007 release 'Letters From Sinners and Strangers' introduced the artist to the national folk and alt-country communities. Her daring yet introspective songs have quickly made her a new favorite among fans and critics alike. Learn more about Eilen Jewell, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

One of the original alt.country groundbreaking bands, Jason and the Scorchers have been rocking since 1981.

Jakob Dylan

Sis Cunningham was a seminal figure in the early protest song movement, a member of the Almanac Singers, and one of the early important women in American folk music. Learn more about Sis Cunningham with this biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Burl Ives was a popular folksinger and actor, who enjoyed country music hits and earned an Academy Award for his performance of the song "Lavender Blue." Burl Ives is also widely known for his appearance in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Learn more about the life, work, and music of Burl Ives, including recommended albums and MP3s.

Joe Hill was a Swedish immigrant and member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). He was also a songwriter known best for repurposing old hymn melodies for use in the labor movement. Among his best-known songs are "The Preacher and the Slave," "There Is Power in the Union," and "Casey Jones: Union Scab." Learn more about Joe Hill with...

Sarah Jarosz, despite her young age, is one of the most talented and versatile up-and-coming singer-songwriters on the contemporary folk and bluegrass scene. Though her music veers in directions far beyond traditional acoustic music, her skills are firmly planted in the folk tradition. Learn more about Sarah Jarosz with this biography and...

The Head and the Heart have had a meteoric couple of years, starting as a group of friends who met at open mic nights around Seattle, all the way to headlining slots around the country. Learn more about the Head and the Heart with this brief biography and profile.

Joy Kills Sorrow is a great new stringband from the Boston area, playing a creative blend of Americana, bluegrass, pop, indie rock, and jazz. Learn more about this innovative quintet, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cotten, including recommended CDs and MP3s, with this brief introductory bio and profile.

Learn more about singer-songwriter Tim Easton with this introductory biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about David Wax Museum (David Wax, Suz Slezak) with this introductory biography and profile.

Learn more about investor and philanthropist Warren Hellman, who started the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, and his band the Wronglers, with this introductory bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about Grammy nominees the Civil Wars with this introductory bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Check out this profile and biography of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about 2012 Grammy Nominee Ry Cooder with this introductory bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about Portland-based singer-songwriter Laura Gibson, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter Catie Curtis with this introductory bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about folk/Americana singer-sognwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter with this basic introductory biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

Learn more about North Carolina and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter duo Hiss Golden Messenger, including recommended CDs and MP3s, a bio, and more.