Acknowledgments List of Illustrations Foreword/Preface Introduction Ballads and Songs Instruments and Music Folk Music of the Northeast Folk Music of the Southeast Folk Music of the Midwest and Great Lakes Folk Music of the Far West Folk Songs of Occupations and Cultures Commercial Folk-derived Musical Traditions The Urban Folk Revival Representative Biographical Sketches Appendix: Plot Synopses of Ballads Most Commonly Found in the United States and Canada Indexes (by name, subject, and song)
Explores folk music and the ways in which it has evolved in different regions of the United States.
Norm Cohen is a folk music scholar who has edited or annotated two dozen albums, and written extensively on various aspects of folk, country, and popular music. He is a retired chemist and currently teaches physical science in Portland, Oregon.
"Aiming to present an overview of the field of American folk music
that stresses breadth rather than depth, Cohen offers considerable
information not easily found elsewhere, particularly about the
differences in musical traditions of various regions and ethnic
groups. In so doing he contributes significantly to the discussion
Kip Lornell began....Highly recommended. All collections; all
levels." - Choice
"This is an attractively presented and enthusiastically written
work which essentially serves as an introduction to the diversity
of regional styles in American folk music. Beginning with an
explanation of the origins, styles and instrumentation of folk
music, the author then proceeds to discuess American folk music
region by region, concluding with a chapter on folk music in urban
settings. The book is less a study than a guide to folk music for
students and enthusiasts....[f]or its beautiful illustrations; its
suggestions for further reading, listening and viewing; its helpful
appendices and song lyrics; and, above all, the obvious enthusiasm
of Norm Cohen for his subject, this book is worth obtaining
(possibly alongside its companion volumes) for library shelves." -
Journal of American Studies
"The book will appeal to the general reader with an interest in
American folk music, as well as to the secondary school student who
need to learn more about the subject." - Reference Reviews
"Cohen is a deft folklorist who knows the traditional academic
literature, but he is also most interested in such commercial
products assongsters, sheet music, and recordings, all products of
the industrial age, with which folklorists might quibble. He has
always made a strong case for connecting the past and the present
as part of the country's folk music legacy, and his current
exploration is a mature defense of this approach. Indeed, it will
be of immense value not just tonewcomers to the topic, but also to
scholars who will continue to study Cohen's wide range of
topics....Cohen has compiled a most valuable, detailed study of the
topic, a wonderful roadmap." - Popular Music and Society
"Cohen introduces this overview of American folk music by
discussing regional differences, the influence of immigration and
migration, and the folk song's origins, function, and meaning
within the community." - Reference & Research Book News
"Folk Music: A Regional Exploration covers all aspects of American
folk traditions, from differing styles ranging from blues ballads
to hollers and erotic songs, to instruments, regional differences
in folk music, and the evolution of songs. A thorough exploration
of major and minor genres and sub-genres keeps Folk Music an
in-depth study worthy of college-level classroom attention for any
American music history course." - MBR Bookwatch
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