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Year of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MALS: Humanities
Directing Professor
Dr. Annette Sampon-Nicolas
Abstract
American folk music has captured the essence of everyday people’s struggles and continues to be a resilient form of protest. Singer-songwriters of the genre have created timeless interpretations of their circumstances that listeners can easily relate to across generations, sometimes through reimaginings and adaptations. A greater understanding of what makes folk protest music so resilient is offered by examining the historical and musical contexts surrounding some of the most well-known anthems. Facing turmoil at home and abroad, American folk music has been influenced by wars and social and political movements, particularly affecting marginalized groups. Folk music’s lyrics are insightful records of sentiments shared by people throughout these tumultuous eras in American history. Time and technology have broadened the scope of folk’s soundscape, but traditional American folk music continues to resonate because of its connections to public memory and national identity. This essay is but an introduction to the chronicles of American folk music and its lasting impact, demonstrated by selected lyrics of songs that can be found at the link following the conclusion.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, Kasey, "Transposing Activism Through Folk Music" (2025). Liberal Studies (MA) Final Essays, Hollins University. 63.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/malsfe/63