Jackson Knoll

Vietnam War and Folk Summary

The Vietnam War was probably the most controversial war in American history. As with other genres of music in other eras, the turmoil of this time period forced people with similar viewpoints on the situation to come together and voice their ideas as a group. All of the emotions and strong feelings that people had about the war and other events happening in America were channeled into Folk music, which provided an outlet for people to voice their ideas and opinions on a national stage. Folk made music in America more than just women and cars; it transformed music into an opportunity to spread social and political views to the masses.

Much like Soul music during the Civil Rights movement, Folk music gave an identity to protestors voicing their opinions on a variety of different issues. From anti-Communist paranoia in the 50s, to Vietnam War protests in the 60s, Folk music provided an outlet for youth across America to spread ideas and identify with other people who shared similar views. What started as a movement to preserve traditional American folk music from urbanization had become a tool for political organizations and labor unions like the IWW to create publicity for their cause.

One of the most important folk singers, Woody Guthrie, highlighted his music with tales about criminals who he would portray as modern day Robin Hoods that stole from the rich and gave to the poor. These songs relate to his childhood as a dirt poor kid living during the Depression in Oklahoma and Texas. The Queen of Folk, Joan Baez, sang traditional folk songs and focused on political and social issues. Along with other artists like Peter, Paul, and Mary and The Kingston Trio, she dominated the Greenwich Village scene in New York. Finally, perhaps the most well known Folk/Rock singer was Bob Dylan. He grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and was introduced to the Folk scene at the University of Minnesota. He traveled to Greenwich Village in 1961 and focused his song writing talents on events happening in America like war protests, racial tensions, and nuclear threats.