Introduction
Folk music is a vital component of every culture, as it reflects the most significant events and processes of each society. In the United States, folk music is peculiar because it developed under the influences of European, African, Native American, and Latino cultures. That is why the essay will explain why it is necessary to preserve folk music, its connection to modern popular music, and its relationship to American society.
Importance of Folk Music
It is essential to preserve, study, and perform folk music because it is an effective bridge between modern people and their heritage. When people delve into the traditions of diverse communities, they can gain a deeper understanding of their values, social norms, and history. This fact makes people more knowledgeable and culturally aware, enabling them to combat racism and various stereotypes. Finally, folk music is significant because it fosters a sense of belonging among people, which in turn helps establish a more inclusive society.
There is no doubt that folk music has a profound influence on modern popular music, and two specific facts support this statement. First, Mauwa (2020) states that call and response were a leading element of traditional music because it was a form of interaction between a musician and the audience. Initially, Western music lacked this feature; however, the growing influence of traditional music prompted modern artists to engage more actively with their audience. Second, Mauwa (2020) mentions that repetition is a characteristic feature of folk music. There is no doubt that this element is actively used in modern popular music.
In the US, musical traditions of multiple groups significantly affect a few genres of American popular music. African culture is considered the most influential because its motifs are found in genres such as rap, blues, and Afro-jazz (Mauwa, 2020). European traditions, including the use of string instruments, are effectively incorporated into country music. Native American music remains popular today and has contributed to the emergence and spread of new-age music. Finally, Latino culture is evident in reggae, which skillfully combines its motifs with jazz and African music.
Personal Reflections
Previously, I thought I didn’t interact with folk music. However, a close analysis revealed that I frequently listen to and even perform it during the Christmas holidays. This statement refers to carols that are an essential part of this period. It was surprising to me to learn that these musical parts originated in Europe, as they emerged in Italy, France, and Germany during the 12th and 13th centuries (Watson, 2019). Settlers brought these carols to North America, and they are still popular today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assignment has clearly demonstrated that folk music is popular and significant in the US. This music conveys history and culture, which denotes that people should preserve and perform it. Furthermore, traditional music is important because it influences popular music, while genres such as rap, blues, country, and others experience the most significant impact. That is why it is no more surprising to me that folk music is an integral part of modern social routines.
References
Mauwa, C. (2020). Influence of traditional music in modern genres.
Watson, Z. (2019). A brief history of background Christmas music. Soundstripe.