What is folk music, though? I like the expansive non-definition proposed by the singer-songwriter and guitarist Big Bill Broonzy, as quoted by Bradley: “Some people call these ‘folk songs,’” he said onstage once. “Well, all the songs that I’ve heard in my life was folk songs. It also features some Black folk pioneers who inspired future generations, like Odetta and Tracy Chapman. May it open your ears and expand your conception of what folk is, and what it can be.

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Persons: ”, Adam Bradley, ahistorically, Bradley, Jake Blount, Big Bill Broonzy, ’ ”, I’ve, Kara Jackson, Odetta, Tracy Chapman, Jon Pareles Organizations: “, New York Times Style, Wellington