The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #99843   Message #1995317
Posted By: The Shambles
13-Mar-07 - 09:46 AM
Thread Name: What IS Folk Music?
Subject: RE: What IS Folk Music?
House of Commons
May 8 2003

Dr. Howells:
I shall tread carefully, given the adult and fascinating debates that I have had with representatives of the folk music industry. I have thought a great deal about the matter over the intervening period, and I always worry about the definition of folk music.

Does some kid singing about the fact that he can't get no satisfaction in the late 20th century constitute a reflection on the quality of his life at a certain point in history? Is that any less valid than somebody who sings about canal boatmen, and the problems that they suffer because they cannot reach their sweethearts, in the 19th century? I always worry about such distinctions, not because I am doubtful of the validity and beauty of folk music—