In the original and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and Canada around the mid-1960s. The sound was epitomized by tight vocal harmonies and a relatively "clean" (effects- and distortion-free) approach to electric instruments epitomized by the jangly sound of the Byrds' guitarist Roger McGuinn. The repertoire was drawn in part from folk sources, but even more from folk-influenced singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan.
This original folk-rock directly led to the distinct, eclectic style of British folk-rock (a.k.a. electric folk) pioneered in the late 1960s by Pentangle and Fairport Convention. Starting from a North-American style folk-rock, Pentangle, Fairport and other related bands deliberately incorporated elements of traditional British folk music. At the same time, in Brittany, Alan Stivell began to mix his Breton roots with Irish and Scottish roots and with rock music. Very shortly afterwards, Fairport bassist Ashley Hutchings formed Steeleye Span in collaboration with traditionalist British folk musicians who wished to incorporate electrical amplification, and later overt rock elements, into their music.
The Great Folk Scare - Dedicated to the folk and protest singers from the late 1950s through early 1960s.
Meta Description: [ The legendary Great Folk Scare: traditional folk, topical and protest music of the late 50s thru early 60s. ]