When the word "folk" crops up in modern conversation, it's not long until names like Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell arise. Perhaps, if those present are a little more learned, they'll mention Woody Guthrie, but beyond the fascist killer's work between the 1930s and '50s, the trail of popular folk runs dry – or rather, into a mist of obscurity.
Unlike classical or early jazz musicians, folk artists seldom rose to global success as published composers because the music was generally less about ownership or entertainment – in the shallowest sense of the word. Of course, Bob Dylan built upon Woody Guthrie's presence as recorded, marketable music became more commonplace, but folk had been around for decades.
