If I Had a Hammer: American Folk Music and the Radical Left

• Main Author: Kerley, Sarah C
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2015
• Subjects: Folk Music; Communism; Radical Left; Cultural History; Social History; United States History
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2614; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4001&context=etd

Folk music is one of the most popular forms of music today; artists such as Mumford and Sons and the Carolina Chocolate Drops are giving new life to an age-old music. It was not until the 1950s that new popular interest in folk music began. Earlier, folk music was used by leftist organizations as a means to reach the masses. It assumed because of this history that many folk artists are sympathetic to the Left. By looking at the years from 1905-1975 with the end of the Vietnam War, this study hopes to present the notion that even though these artists produced music that promoted leftist ideals, they were not always supportive of the Communist Party and other leftist organizations. Specific artists will be examined, paying close attention to artists who not only produced revolutionary music, but who were also employed by leftist organizations to perform at rallies and meetings.