Folk music, with its rich tapestry of storytelling and soulful melodies, has captivated audiences for generations. From the haunting ballads of the Appalachian Mountains to the vibrant rhythms of the British Isles, this genre serves as a powerful conduit for cultural expression and personal narrative. In an era where music often feels manufactured and fleeting, folk singers stand out as authentic voices that resonate with the human experience.
In this article, we delve into the top 15 best folk music singers of all time, celebrating the artists whose contributions have shaped the genre and inspired countless generations. Whether it’s the poetic lyrics that tug at heartstrings or the pristine harmonies that evoke a sense of nostalgia, each artist on our list brings a unique flavor to the folk tradition.
Join us as we explore the lives, legacies, and musical journeys of these iconic figures. From the legendary folk revivalists of the 1960s to contemporary artists who are redefining the genre today, these singers have not only enriched our musical landscape but have also woven their stories into the very fabric of our cultural heritage. Get ready to discover the voices that continue to echo through time!
1. Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is widely considered one of the most influential voices in music history. Emerging from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960s, he reshaped the genre with lyrics that spoke to civil rights, war, and the human condition. His songwriting is deeply poetic, blending timeless themes with current events in a way that made folk music not just relevant, but revolutionary. Tracks like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” became anthems for a generation longing for change. Dylan’s fearless experimentation with sound—from acoustic folk to electric rock—challenged conventions and expanded what was possible in songwriting. Despite his fame, Dylan remained a bit of an enigma, rarely chasing popularity and instead focusing on his art. Over six decades into his career, his influence can still be heard in musicians across genres. Whether through his Nobel Prize-winning lyrics or unforgettable melodies, Dylan remains a towering figure in the musical landscape. His songs continue to ask hard questions, stir the conscience, and encourage listeners to look beyond the surface—making him not just the voice of a generation, but a voice for the ages.
2. Joan Baez
Joan Baez’s voice is instantly recognizable—pure, emotive, and commanding. Rising to prominence in the 1960s folk revival, Baez brought a heartfelt sincerity to the genre, blending traditional songs with powerful messages of peace, justice, and equality. Her interpretation of classic ballads and protest songs lent emotional weight to movements for civil rights and anti-war activism. Baez wasn’t just singing about change—she was living it, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and using her platform to speak out against injustice. Her version of “We Shall Overcome” became more than a song; it became a cry for unity. Baez’s artistry is marked by integrity, and she remained committed to causes close to her heart throughout her career. She also introduced the world to Bob Dylan, amplifying his voice before he became a household name. Over the years, Baez’s music has evolved, but her message has remained steadfast. Whether performing in intimate venues or large arenas, she brings grace and conviction to every note. Joan Baez is not only a gifted performer but a symbol of music’s ability to inspire change and elevate the human spirit.
3. Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie is the very foundation upon which American folk music was built. Born during the Dust Bowl era, Guthrie used his songs to capture the real struggles of working-class Americans. Armed with just a guitar and a harmonica, he sang about migrant workers, poverty, injustice, and the American dream with a grit and honesty that few could match. His most famous song, “This Land Is Your Land,” remains a powerful anthem for unity and shared identity. Guthrie’s music wasn’t polished or pretentious—it was raw, heartfelt, and grounded in lived experience. He traveled across the country, often hopping freight trains and staying in labor camps, all the while collecting stories and transforming them into song. Guthrie’s influence reaches far beyond his time, directly shaping the voices of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and countless other singer-songwriters. His ability to speak truth to power and give voice to the voiceless has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest American songwriters. For Guthrie, folk music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a tool for education, unity, and social progress. His songs remain just as relevant and necessary today as they were in his own time.
4. Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger was a towering figure in folk music and a relentless advocate for justice and peace. With his banjo in hand, Seeger spent over 70 years using music as a force for good. He believed deeply in the power of song to bring people together and spark change, and he put that belief into action—whether leading civil rights marches or protesting war and environmental destruction. Seeger’s music, like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” became rallying cries for social movements. His warm, inviting performance style encouraged audience participation, making concerts feel like community gatherings. Despite facing political backlash during the McCarthy era, including being blacklisted, Seeger stood firm in his convictions. His integrity and optimism never wavered. He passed his knowledge to younger generations, mentoring artists like Bob Dylan and inspiring countless others. Even in his later years, Seeger was found planting trees, cleaning rivers, and singing for causes he believed in. Pete Seeger wasn’t just a folk singer—he was a cultural icon who reminded the world that music, in its purest form, can be a powerful agent of change.
5. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell stands out as one of the most brilliant and innovative artists to ever emerge from the folk scene. Her music defies easy classification—an intricate tapestry of folk, jazz, rock, and poetry that evolved continuously over her career. Albums like Blue and Court and Spark are considered masterpieces, showcasing her stunning lyrical insight and fearless musical exploration. Mitchell’s voice, expressive and pure, carries emotion with remarkable subtlety, and her lyrics are as much literature as they are song—deeply personal yet universally resonant. Songs like “A Case of You” and “River” feel like windows into her soul, capturing the vulnerability and complexity of the human experience. More than just a performer, Joni Mitchell is a storyteller, painter, and philosopher. Her music reflects not just her life but the emotional landscape of an entire era. She influenced generations of musicians, from folk contemporaries to modern indie and pop artists. Despite stepping away from the spotlight in later years, her work continues to be discovered and celebrated by new listeners. Joni Mitchell didn’t just contribute to folk music—she reshaped its possibilities and gave it new wings.
6. Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel created a sound that defined the folk-rock movement of the 1960s. The duo—Paul Simon, the primary songwriter, and Art Garfunkel, whose angelic voice elevated every melody—crafted timeless songs marked by poetic lyrics and flawless harmony. Their music captured both the tranquility and turbulence of the times, offering both reflection and escape. Classics like “The Sound of Silence,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Their ability to weave delicate acoustic arrangements with profound themes of alienation, love, and change made their work both beautiful and thought-provoking. Their final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, became one of the best-selling records of its era, and the title track remains one of the most emotionally stirring songs ever recorded. Though their partnership was short-lived, the impact of Simon & Garfunkel endures. Their music reflects an era but also transcends it, touching the hearts of listeners across generations. They weren’t just performers—they were poets with guitars, creating a legacy that continues to shape what we expect from folk and pop songwriting today.
7. Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s music operates on a deeper frequency—one that explores the beauty, pain, and mystery of being human. With a voice as gravelly as an old road and lyrics as sharp as scripture, Cohen became one of the most revered songwriters of the 20th century. His songs are spiritual and sensual, intimate and philosophical all at once. Tracks like “Suzanne,” “Bird on the Wire,” and the iconic “Hallelujah” are masterclasses in lyrical depth and emotional honesty. Cohen began his artistic career as a poet and novelist, and that literary background permeates every line of his songs. His work often wrestles with big questions—faith, love, loss, redemption—but does so with a grace and vulnerability that never feels heavy-handed. Cohen’s delivery was understated, but therein lay his strength—he didn’t need to shout to be heard. His music speaks in a whisper that cuts right to the soul. Over his long career, Cohen evolved but never strayed from his artistic truth. Even his later works, released well into his 70s and 80s, carried the same wisdom and gravitas. Leonard Cohen was more than a folk singer—he was a prophet with a guitar.
8. Nick Drake
Nick Drake’s music is a haunting whisper that lingers long after the song ends. Though his life and career were tragically short, Drake left behind a body of work that has grown immensely in stature over time. Albums like Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter, and Pink Moon are now considered essential listening for anyone drawn to introspective, emotionally raw folk music. Drake’s soft, almost murmured vocals combined with his elegant, complex fingerstyle guitar playing create an atmosphere of deep melancholy and quiet beauty. His lyrics often explore themes of isolation, longing, and the ephemeral nature of life, resonating deeply with listeners who find solace in his gentle sadness. At the time of his death, Nick Drake was relatively unknown, but his influence has steadily grown, inspiring artists across genres—from folk and indie to alternative rock. There’s something timeless and intimate about his work, as if each song is a private conversation between the artist and the listener. Though he never found commercial success in his lifetime, Nick Drake’s music has become a cherished treasure for those who discover it—an enduring reminder that even the quietest voices can leave the deepest impact.
9. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash may be best known for his roots in country music, but his storytelling spirit places him firmly in the folk tradition. With his deep baritone voice and stark, honest lyrics, Cash painted vivid portraits of life’s trials—especially for the downtrodden and overlooked. Songs like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Man in Black” reveal his compassion for the outsider and his deep concern for justice and redemption. Cash didn’t shy away from difficult topics—incarceration, addiction, and mortality—but approached them with a humanity that made his music relatable and profoundly moving. He often performed for prison inmates and used his platform to advocate for prison reform, embodying the social conscience central to folk music. His later American Recordings series stripped his sound down to its bare essence, bringing his emotional depth into sharp focus. Through decades of personal struggles and triumphs, Cash remained authentic—never chasing trends, always staying true to his voice. His music transcended genre, bridging country, gospel, and folk. More than a singer, Johnny Cash was a voice for the voiceless and a legend whose music continues to inspire generations.
10. Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie is a powerful force in folk music, known not only for her bold, beautiful voice but also for her uncompromising activism. As an Indigenous artist, she brought a perspective rarely heard in the mainstream during the 1960s folk revival. Her songs, including “Universal Soldier” and “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone,” are poignant calls for peace, justice, and recognition of Native American rights. Sainte-Marie’s music combines traditional folk with innovative sounds, often incorporating electronic elements long before they were common in the genre. She has always pushed musical and social boundaries, unafraid to speak truth to power. Beyond her music, Sainte-Marie has been a tireless educator and advocate for Indigenous communities, using her platform to promote understanding and systemic change. Despite facing blacklisting and censorship during her career, she remained undeterred and continued to create meaningful art. Her resilience and creativity have earned her respect across generations. Buffy Sainte-Marie’s legacy isn’t just in the songs she’s written—it’s in the lives she’s touched and the doors she’s opened for others. She’s not only a pioneering folk artist, but a trailblazer whose voice still rings strong and clear.
11. Gillian Welch
Gillian Welch brings a timeless quality to folk and Americana music. With her plaintive voice and stripped-down arrangements, her songs feel like they could have been written a century ago or yesterday. Since the release of her debut album Revival in 1996, Welch has carved out a distinctive space in the modern folk scene. Her music, created in close collaboration with guitarist David Rawlings, is rooted in Appalachian traditions, yet it speaks with a contemporary clarity. Albums like Time (The Revelator) and Soul Journey showcase her gift for storytelling—whether it’s a tale of heartbreak, hardship, or quiet perseverance. Welch’s lyrics often explore the lives of working people, dreamers, and drifters, with a tenderness that never feels contrived. Her performances are understated yet captivating, marked by subtle harmonies and intricate guitar work. In an era of fast-changing music trends, Welch has remained devoted to the slow craft of songwriting, where every word and note matters. She doesn’t chase fame—she chases truth, and it shows. Gillian Welch stands as a beacon of authenticity in folk music, keeping the spirit of American roots alive for a new generation.
12. Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons brought folk music roaring into the 21st century with a sound that’s both deeply rooted and wildly energetic. Bursting onto the scene with their 2009 debut Sigh No More, the British band blended acoustic instruments—banjo, mandolin, and upright bass—with soaring vocals and emotionally charged lyrics. Songs like “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave” captured the attention of listeners around the globe with their raw passion and poetic honesty. Their music struck a chord with fans who craved heartfelt storytelling in an era of digital gloss. Mumford & Sons didn’t just play folk music—they gave it a modern pulse, infusing it with the intensity of rock and the intimacy of traditional folk. Their live performances became known for their energy and sincerity, transforming festival crowds into singing, stomping choirs. Over time, their sound evolved to incorporate more electric elements, but their lyrical core—searching, redemptive, and reflective—remained intact. Mumford & Sons helped reintroduce folk themes to mainstream audiences and opened the door for a new wave of folk-influenced acts. They reminded the world that folk music can be loud, joyful, and emotionally cathartic all at once.
13. Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention is often credited with creating British folk-rock, blending traditional English ballads with the power of electric rock instrumentation. Formed in the late 1960s, the band quickly set themselves apart with their ability to breathe new life into centuries-old songs while crafting originals that felt just as timeless. Their landmark album Liege & Lief is a cornerstone of the genre, featuring standout performances from iconic members like Sandy Denny, whose ethereal voice added a haunting beauty to every track. Fairport’s music captures the essence of British folklore—mystery, romance, and sorrow—wrapped in swirling guitar lines and tight arrangements. Their influence reached far and wide, inspiring both British and American folk artists to explore new sonic territory. Over the decades, the band has undergone many lineup changes, but their commitment to storytelling and musical innovation has never waned. Each summer, their Cropredy Festival continues to gather thousands of fans, proving their lasting appeal. Fairport Convention didn’t just play folk music—they redefined it, showing how old songs could live again in a new age. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of modern folk.
14. Laura Marling
Laura Marling is a modern folk artist whose music carries the weight and wisdom of someone far beyond her years. Emerging from the London folk scene as a teenager, she quickly gained recognition for her eloquent songwriting and mature, expressive vocals. Her debut album Alas, I Cannot Swim introduced a thoughtful artist with a deep sense of introspection, and she has only grown more powerful with time. Albums like I Speak Because I Can and Semper Femina reveal a writer deeply attuned to themes of womanhood, identity, and personal growth. Marling’s style is minimalist yet rich, often built around acoustic guitar and quiet arrangements that let her lyrical strength shine through. There’s a literary quality to her music—each song feels like a short story, filled with vivid characters and poetic language. Though influenced by classic folk artists like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, Marling has carved her own unique path, consistently challenging herself and her audience. She’s not afraid to explore vulnerability, and in doing so, she creates a space where listeners can reflect on their own inner lives. Laura Marling is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary folk.
15. The Carter Family
The Carter Family holds a foundational place in American folk and country music. Consisting of A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and her cousin Maybelle, the group began recording in the late 1920s and laid the groundwork for nearly every genre of American roots music that followed. Their songs—like “Can the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Wildwood Flower,” and “Keep on the Sunny Side”—have become staples in the folk canon. Maybelle Carter’s innovative guitar picking style, known as the “Carter Scratch,” revolutionized the role of the guitar in popular music. The group’s simple harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and strong spiritual undercurrents gave their music a timeless quality that still resonates today. They didn’t just perform songs—they preserved a vast trove of Appalachian folk traditions at a time when rural music was rarely recorded. The Carter Family’s influence stretches far and wide, from Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash (who married into the family) to modern-day Americana artists. More than a musical act, they are a cultural institution whose recordings helped define the sound of American folk music. Their legacy continues to echo through every strummed chord and harmony sung around the world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
