Folk-Rock Explosion! – Part 2

For many, the mid-60’s was the most exciting time in the history of popular music thanks in large part to the novel sounds of folk-rock. Even though I was not yet born, I imagine for many of the young people who were there- like my parents- it must have felt like the great music would go on forever. Some have tried to define folk-rock’s distinctive sound- chiming, jangling guitars with soaring, butter rich harmonies- and for me the Byrds and the Mamas and the Papas are perhaps the best personification of the sound while Bob Dylan epitomized the spirit of freedom and change this new rock movement represented. And, like any massively popular product, people back then were not buying folk-rock; they were buying the feeling they got from listening to folk-rock. Here are some more of my favorite folk-rock songs. Enjoy!

01. The Byrds – “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” (1965)

02. The Mamas and the Papas – “The ‘In’ Crowd” (1966)

03. Bob Dylan – “Positively 4th Street” (1965)

04. Bob Dylan – “Love Minus Zero” (1965)

05. The Mamas and the Papas – “Dancing in the Street” (1966)

06. Jackie DeShannon – “What the World Needs Now” (1968)

07. The Turtles – “We’ll Meet Again” (1966)

08. Jackie DeShannon – “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (1969)

09. The Turtles – “Outside Chance” (1966)

10. Simon & Garfunkel – “Cecilia” (1970)

11. The Searchers – “Needles and Pins” (1964)

12. Richie Havens – “Morning Morning” (1967)

13. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – “Teach Your Children” (1970)

14. The Turtles – “I Know That You’ll Be There” (1966)

15. Grateful Dead – “Ripple” (1970)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links: 

Don Henley Inducts the Byrds into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Echo In The Canyon (2020) Official Trailer | Trailblazers

Roger McGuinn Explains Folk-Rock

Shania Twain Inducts the Mamas and the Papas at the 1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony