I think the label "folk" is a compliment to the various performers. My take on it is that back in the day it meant the lyrics would convey feelings or 'philosophies' that had meaning beyond the likes of 'Barbara Ann[e]' or '409' (both songs are OK by me, but they ain't folk-rock. IMO, they ain't 'folk' anything. I particularly like GUEST Gerry's comment just above OM's.

IMO, his 'Colors' was beautiful. I often heard people way back saying things like, "He's trying to be Bob Dylan." Of course, the same people said that about David Cohen (later David Blue) and anyone else who teased his hair so's he look like a buffalo.