The Most Famous Folk Artist, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the folk artist you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 11, 2024 07:08

Folk art, with its rich traditions and deep cultural roots, captures the essence of community and personal expression. Accordingly, fans and enthusiasts often engage in lively debates over which artists have had the most profound impact. Establishing a system to rank these artists helps enthusiasts to not only acknowledge the legacies of these creatives but also to introduce newcomers to the genre's key figures. By participating in voting, users contribute to a collective assessment that brings clarity and recognition to the field of folk art. This dynamic list does not just reflect popular opinion at any given moment, but also educational insights into the diverse styles and historical significance of the artists listed. Each vote plays an integral role in shaping how folk art is viewed and appreciated by future generations.

Who Is the Most Famous Folk Artist?

1

63
votes

Al Aumuller, photographer. NYWT&S staff photograph. · Public domain

Woody Guthrie

Guthrie is widely considered as one of the most influential figures in American folk music. His songs and lyrics often reflected the struggles of the working class and the poor.
2

26
votes
Bob Dylan

Dylan is known for his poetic lyrics and his ability to blend various genres of music, including folk, rock, and blues. He has been called the voice of a generation and is a Nobel Laureate in Literature.
Bob Dylan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous poet alive
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous lyricist
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Bob
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous living musician
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person from Minnesota
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Jew
3

28
votes
Joan Baez

Baez is renowned for her clear and powerful voice, as well as her social activism. She was a prominent figure in the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s.
Joan Baez in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous hippie
4

13
votes
Donna Lou Morgan, U.S. Navy · Public domain

Pete Seeger

Seeger was a prolific songwriter and performer who used his music to promote social justice and environmental causes. He played a significant role in the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s.
Pete Seeger in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous banjo player
5

11
votes
Library of Congress Life · CC0

Joni Mitchell

Mitchell is known for her unique and intricate guitar playing, as well as her introspective and poetic lyrics. She has influenced many musicians with her innovative use of alternate tunings and her blending of folk, jazz, and pop music.
Joni Mitchell in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous lyricist
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Canadian singer
6

12
votes

Lead Belly

Lead Belly was a blues and folk musician who wrote and performed numerous songs that have become standards in American music. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to play the twelve-string guitar.
7

7
votes

Odetta

Odetta was a singer and activist who used her music to promote civil rights and social justice. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend various genres of music, including folk, blues, and gospel.
8

9
votes

Smerdis · CC BY-SA 4.0

Elizabeth Cotten

Cotten was a self-taught guitarist and songwriter who wrote many influential songs in the folk and blues traditions. She was known for her unique fingerpicking style and her ability to play the guitar upside down and backwards.
9

6
votes
boonejag75 · CC BY 2.0

Doc Watson

Watson was a guitarist and singer who helped to popularize traditional Appalachian music. He was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to blend various styles of music, including bluegrass, country, and folk.
Doc Watson in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Bluegrass singer
10

3
votes

Chip.berlet · CC BY-SA 3.0

Phil Ochs

Ochs was a songwriter and activist who used his music to promote social justice and political change. He was known for his powerful lyrics and his ability to blend various genres of music, including folk, rock, and protest music.

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous folk artist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or folk artist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1341 views
177 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each folk artist once every 24 hours. The rank of each folk artist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous folk artist

Folk art has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with its origins traced back to the earliest civilizations. It is a form of art that is deeply rooted in tradition and often reflects the values, beliefs, and customs of a particular community or region. Folk art encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts. When it comes to folk art, there are many notable figures who have left their mark on the genre. From musicians to visual artists, these individuals have made significant contributions to the world of folk art and have helped to shape its evolution over time. One question that often arises in discussions about folk art is, "who is the most famous folk artist?" While there are many talented and influential artists to choose from, the answer to this question ultimately depends on one's personal opinions and cultural background. Some of the most well-known folk artists include Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, among many others. As the world of folk art continues to evolve and grow, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these talented individuals who have helped to shape this rich and vibrant art form.