Folk are generally associated with a community. This community is generally culture-based and not cobbled together like a political meeting.

Folk is generally associated with working-class or the so-called "lower classes".

The word has been bowdlerized by the likes of G.W. Bush or John McCain who do
not represent the working class in the US.

Here's a problem. When a traditional singer (such as Doc Watson) sings a popular
composed song (such as Over The Rainbow) is he/she still a "folk"?

If a fine songwriter like Jean Ritchie writes "The L and N Don't Stop Here Anymore"
is what she has written and composed a folk song and if not, does that mean she's still a folksinger?

If Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan base their songs on traditional folk melodies (changing them around and creating variants) are they still folk singers?

If Uncle Dave Macon draws a sizeable paycheck from Grand Ol' Op'ry is he still a
folk singer?

if Richard Dyer-Bennet or Josh White sing in a smooth style, are they still folk?

Is Dolly Parton folk?

Discuss.