The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #168792   Message #4076842
Posted By: matthewdechant
25-Oct-20 - 07:48 PM
Thread Name: Solo folk performers vs groups over time
Subject: Solo folk performers vs groups over time
Hello all, brand new here. Specifically for English and maritime folk- why do you think solo folk performers gone out of style in favor of groups? In the early days you had the greats like A.L. Lloyd, Ewan MacColl, Peter Bellamy, and relatively few famous groups (you had people the Corries and the Young Tradition, but they weren't as big as the solo acts). Later on there was more of a mix- groups like Folly Bridge, but still prominent soloists like Stan Rogers. Today, groups like The Young'uns and the Longest Johns seem to be the only folk performers, and even soloists like David Coffin are best known as a part of their respective groups (the Revels chorus). Why do you think this is? (and to address my underlying message, how can a young solo folk performer be relevant today?)