Where did all the folkies come from? Is the change as much about then as now?

In the early sixties when I noticed folk music it stood apart from most of the music that was available for free (almost) on the radio and TV. The nearest I recall to 'music of the people' was the Spinners singing shanties (I liked that) introduced by someone with a plummy PR accent. The first regional accent I heard on the TV was Brian Redhead presenting what I guess was a spin-off of the Radio Ballads broadcast from Manchester. I was a probably too young to have noticed the Radio Ballads. The Watersons documentary that has been linked in many places recently is a reminder of a different world.

Now we tune to local radio and people who talk like us introduce music from all over the world but including from people near to us who might do a gig close by.

When I was a teenager I sought out the local folk club, now I don't need to. So I guess young folk don't either - and we all have more choice. But, as mentioned above, there are some excellent young players and singers.

(first attempt didn't take - glad I saved it!)