Ani Difranco came on the scene about fifteen years ago, and has followed with a seemingly endless amount of fantastic work. If you’re among the legions of fans in Righteous Babe-land, Ani may be the first folk artist to whom you’ve ever paid much attention.
Believe you me, though, there is a whole legacy of great folk artists preceding her, and hopefully this list will give you a great start as you learn more about the tradition from whence she came. Or at least it’ll give you something to sink your teeth into until Ani’s next record comes out.
Woody Guthrie
Woody is often considered the grandfather of American folk music. He wrote an immeasurable amount of music in his day, effectively influencing generations of activists and songwriters. His songs often sided with the poor and disenfranchised, immigrant workers, and union organizers.
Woody Guthrie Profile
Listen to The Very Best of Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie Web site
Ramblin' Jack Eliot
Woody's protege Ramblin' Jack was known as one of the most travelin' guys around. His storytelling songs include traditional folk and gospel tunes, as well as his own originals. Like Woody, Ramblin' Jack's songs tend to side with the working poor.
Listen/Download Essential Ramblin' Jack
Ramblin Jack's Web site
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy came on the scene during the period in the 1960s before America’s involvement in Vietnam turned the country on its head. She traveled around colleges singing her topical, educational folk songs about life, politics, and Native American issues. Through her music, she managed to put a lot of muscle behind the awareness of Native American social issues. Her activism and incredible music continue to this day.
Listen/Download The Best of Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie Web site
Rosalie Sorrels
Rosalie began singing folk music while she was living in Salt Lake City in the late 1950s and early 60s. Her bluesy approach to traditional and contemporary folk songs distinguishes her from other women of the era like Joan Baez. Her focus was always more on storytelling - whether through the spoken word or music - and her songs tend to focus on feminist ideals.
Listen/Download Rosalie Sorrels’ Long Memory
Rosalie Sorrel’s Web site
John Fahey
If you’re impressed with the way Ani plays guitar, you should check out John Fahey. Fahey’s often recognized as one of the most skilled, revolutionary folk-blues acoustic guitar players. His guitar compositions are incredibly intricate and simple at the same time, while nearly impossible to duplicate.
Listen/Download The Best of John Fahey
John Fahey’s Web site
Greg Brown
Greg’s songs are difficult to explain. His poetic lyrics and natural storytelling sensibility blend with classic and contemporary folk-blues to absolutely silence you. He’s even more hypnotic live, where he’s often joined by master guitarist Bo Ramsey. Responsible for the founding of Red House Records, Greg has had a rather impressive decades-long independent career.
Listen/Download Greg Brown’s Covenant
CD Review: Greg Brown In the Hills of California
Greg Brown’s Web site
Holly Near
Holly is one of the most recognized and revered protest songwriters in the country. Her topical songs talk about everything from women’s rights to civil rights and the struggle for peace. Her incredible catalog of work spans decades, and the best part of it is that she’s still producing amazing music and changing the world while she’s at it.
Listen/Download Holly Near’s And Still We Sing: The Outspoken Collection
Holly Near’s Web site
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