InA History of Folk Music Festivals in the United States: Feasts of Musical Celebration, Ronald D. Cohen presents a comprehensive narration of folk music festivals in America, providing details on events both large and small from the 19th century to the present. Cohen discusses events like the Newport, Philadelphia, University of Chicago, and National Folk Festivals, describing and analyzing long-running as well as short-lived festivals throughout the country and covering a dizzying array of musical styles, including blues, Cajun, Irish, klezmer, women's, bluegrass, gospel, country, singer-songwriters, and world.
Cohen draws on a wide range of primary and secondary sources to create a detailed description of these exciting feasts of musical celebration, capturing the nature and variety of the festivals and fully expressing this vital part of the development of folk music. Studying these events brings a truly national perspective to our understanding of folk music and provides important insights into their social, cultural, musical, and even political contexts. This account of folk music festivals in America is vital to folklorists, ethnomusicologists, U.S. historians, and readers with an interest in folk music and its history.
Ronald D. Cohenis professor emeritus in U.S. History from Indiana University Northwest and is the author of numerous books including
Rainbow Quest: The Folk Music Revival and American Society, 1940-1970(2002) and
Folk Music: The Basics(2006).
Cohen carefully documents his sources for each chapter and provides a detailed index. Fans and scholars alike will find this book interesting and helpful. Recommended. Choice Reviews
Fascinating history.... Very useful.... Succeeds superbly. American Reference Books Annual
Extensively researched....Cohen uses his storytelling skills to explore the early days of American folk music. Dirty Linen
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