Folk artists have been really important in changing how we tell stories through music. They often share personal stories while also talking about bigger social issues. Here are some key artists you should know about:

1. Woody Guthrie (1912-1967)

   • He was famous for his protest songs that focused on fairness and justice.
   • His song “This Land Is Your Land” has been sung by over 1,000 artists, showing how influential it still is.

2. Bob Dylan (Born 1941)

   • He helped shape the folk music scene in the 1960s with songs like “Blowin' in the Wind.”
   • In 2016, he became the first musician to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, proving how meaningful his lyrics are.

3. Joan Baez (Born 1941)

   • Known for her strong voice and her passion for activism.
   • She has sold more than 10 million records worldwide and made a big impact during the Vietnam War protests.

4. Sara Bareilles (Born 1979)

   • She mixes pop and folk styles, creating songs with great stories like “Brave.”
   • She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, showing how talented she is at storytelling.

5. The Avett Brothers

   • They mix folk, bluegrass, and rock music to create emotional songs like “I and Love and You.”
   • By 2021, they had sold over 6 million albums around the world.

These artists show how folk music can tell powerful stories. Their music connects people through shared experiences and cultural tales, helping to redefine what folk music means today.