Exploring the Definition and Legacy of Folk Music in Wisconsin

What constitutes “folk music”? This question has been debated by music scholars and enthusiasts for decades. University of Wisconsin-Madison professor emeritus Jim Leary defines folk music as the grassroots music of distinctive locales and cultural groups. In Wisconsin, this definition is exemplified by the rich history of folk music in the state.

When Wisconsinites think of folk music, they may think of local bands like Bon Iver or the Violent Femmes, or they may tune into Síle Shigley’s curation on WPR’s “Simply Folk.” The Wisconsin Folksong Collection, curated by UW faculty member Helene Stratman-Thomas and ethnographer Sydney Robertson Cowell, offers a historical context for these modern examples.

The collection, which includes over 900 tunes recorded between 1936 and 1947, captures the stories, memories, melodies, instruments, and voices of Wisconsin’s past. It is a testament to the state’s cultural heritage and the Wisconsin Idea of sharing knowledge and resources with the community.

Thanks to the efforts of scholars like Leary, the National Recording Registry has recognized the importance of preserving the Wisconsin Folksong Collection. This collection not only documents the music of Anglo Americans and African Americans but also showcases the diverse musical traditions of immigrants and Native Americans in Wisconsin.

For descendants of the performers featured in the collection, listening to the original recordings is a powerful experience that connects them to their heritage and community. The accessibility of the collection online through the Mills Music Library allows people from all over the world to explore and appreciate Wisconsin’s folk music legacy.

As we continue to celebrate and preserve the rich tradition of folk music in Wisconsin, we honor the voices and stories of the past that continue to resonate with us today. The Wisconsin Folksong Collection is not just a historical artifact but a living testament to the power of music to connect us across time and space.