Folk Music

Browse folk music recommendations from people with great taste on Rec League — the whisper network for great recs.

Pete Seeger sings Amazing Grace

In 1980 Pete Seeger led a crowd through a “long meter” version “Amazing Grace” at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre. The session was famously recorded live as part of Seeger’s Singalong Sanders Theatre. Seeger directed thousands of pickup choirs throughout his lifetime, as he believed passionately in the healing power of group singing. Hearing the voices of this group of strangers grow in strength until they’re suspended in perfect unity by the third verse fills me with optimism for the year ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!

cole

New Commute

a treasure trove of niche folk music.

even*cleveland

Jerry Carcia & David Grisman – Not for Kids Only

Had this on repeat for literally years.

Londyn Harris

Townes Van Zandt - Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas, July 1973

Your favorite songwriter’s favorite songwriter, Townes was unbelievably witty, soulful, and intelligent. Some standout tracks for me are Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold, Fraternity Blues, and Brand New Companion.

Julianna Strickland

Calliope Meets Frank

I grew up playing violin / fiddle, and I had gone to camp with the cellist from this track, Natalie Haas. When she released the album Fire + Grace with Scottish fiddle player Alasdair Fraser, this first track on the album had me in tears. I listened to it on repeat for years and years and learned to play it and it's ingrained in my DNA at this point.

Mia

True Love Leaves No Traces

Lulu Graham

Closer To Fine

rory

Gentle On My Mind - Remastered 2001

freedom etc

Julianna Strickland

Labi Siffre - Bless the Telephone (Live 1971)

A lovely little song that makes me think about everyone I love. It makes me happy.

Landon Groves

Hey, Who Really Cares by Linda Perhacs

I found this album a few years ago and I still listen to it pretty often. Haunting fingerpicked folk from 1970 - feels like the blueprint for Jessica Pratt

Joseph Shipp

Richard Dawson - End of the Middle

One of my favorite records from 2025. Modern British folk songs. Domestic in the most wonderful delectable way.

Rish

Josh Ritter

Had the absolute pleasure of seeing this man in concert last night. To say it was one of my favorite concert experiences would be vastly underselling it: This was my favorite concert I have been to. Ever. Even though he doesn't run around and do flips, Josh's energy on stage is absolutely unmatched. His vocals held up flawlessly throughout the whole show, sounding almost exactly like he did in the studio. The highlight of the concert definitely came towards the end during his performance of Kathleen, where he had a sick moment of audience interaction. Josh's incredible lyricism is further emphasized in a live setting. Hearing him sing his poetic and beautiful lines in person recontextualized many of his songs to me. Especially The Curse, one of his best songs. The song follows a mummy and his discoverer as they fall in love. The discoverer then dies and the mummy is left with this curse that he can never truly find love because he is immortal and any lover he has will die eventually. Josh's performance and interpretation of this song was another highlight of the concert. I also want to give a quick shout-out to the opener, Tre Burt. He was definitely more subdued than Josh, but he still has amazing music and is also worth checking out. If you ever have the opportunity to see Josh Ritter live, you should definitely take it. His lyricism combined with his performance ability is next to none!

Gracie Gomes

Joni Mitchell - Hejira

listened to this on a long walk in nature in 65 degree weather and now i think i’m actually gonna be okay

Landon Groves

Sittin’ by the Road by Blaze Foley

I bought a truck from the ‘80s so I could drive around listening to this and feeling cool

Joseph Shipp

Gillian Welch - Soul Journey

I love Gillian so much. This is my favorite record of hers.

Rish

Fire on the Highway

Tangled Up In Blue is the perfect mix between an Irish ballad, American folk music, and a collegiate a cappella team. This album includes bluegrass-inspired re-imaginings of songs by Beyonce, Neil Young, Brandi Carlile, and more! Their satisfying vocal harmonies play perfectly with their instrumentals to create a musically interesting and gratifying listening experience. This album is a family backyard singalong, grab whatever instrument you can play, and have a good time sort of album, packed with energy, good vibes, and amazing vocal performances.