Jesse Colin Young, 1941-2025
Jesse Colin Young -- a noted singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and folk-rock & Americana pioneer who co-founded and fronted The Youngbloods -- passed away in Aiken, South Carolina on March 16, 2025 at age 83.
FAI Folk Radio Charts – February 2025
Alice Howe and Freebo had the top album (Live) and four of the month’s most-played songs on folk radio during February 2025, while Alison Krauss and Union Station’s “Looks Like the End of the Road” edged them out for top song and John McCutcheon was the most-played artist for a second consecutive month. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. Click on the headline to view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.
International Folk Music Award Winners Honored During Conference in Montreal
The 2025 International Folk Music Awards were presented on the opening night of the 37th annual Folk Alliance International Conference at Le Sheraton Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada last month. These included member-voted Best Album, Song and Artist of the Year (2024), as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards, Spirit of Folk Awards, the Clearwater Award, the People’s Voice Award, and the Rising Tide Award, in addition to inductions into the Folk Radio Hall of Fame. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which also includes information about the conference, and to view a couple of videos.]
IBMA Songwriter Showcase Applicants Sought
Up to 10 songwriters (or songwriting teams) will be invited to perform one original bluegrass song each for an audience of artists, producers and other industry professionals during a Songwriter Showcase at this year’s IBMA Business Conference that’s part of the World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association, September 16-18. The online application period for the 2025 IBMA Songwriter Showcase extends through March 31.
FAI Folk Radio Charts – January 2025
Nashville-based husband-and-wife duo The Twangtown Paramours had the most-played album (The Wind Will Change Again) and 10 of the month’s most-played songs on folk radio during January 2025, while revered, Georgia-based folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John McCutcheon had the most-played song (“Field of Stars”) and edged them out as the month’s most-played artist. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]
Sierra Ferrell Wins Four Grammy Awards
Sierra Ferrell was a big winner at the 37th annual Grammy Awards, taking home awards in all four categories in which she was nominated. The Nashville, Tennessee-based and small-town West Virginia-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was honored for Best Americana Album (Trail of Flowers), Best American Roots Performance (“Lighthouse”), Best American Roots Song (“American Dreaming,” a co-write with Melody Walker), and Best Americana Performance (“American Dreaming”) during the February 2 premiere ceremony at Los Angeles, California’s Crypto.com Arena that preceded the evening telecast on CBS. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view a video.]
South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival Set for Jan. 31-Feb. 2
The annual South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival returns to Davie, Florida's Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, Friday-Sunday, January 31-February 2, 2025. Presented by the nonprofit South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Club, the festival will feature performances by more than 40 artists/acts, a singer-songwriter competition, and a wide array of jam sessions and workshops. All festival activities will take place under cover. Discounted tickets are available online until 6 p.m. on January 26.
Songwriter Serenade Contest Opens for Entries
Applications are being accepted through March 29 in the 18th annual Songwriter Serenade contest. From among all entries received, 15 songwriters will be invited to showcase their original songs and compete for prize money at the St. John Church Outdoor Pavilion in Schulenburg, Texas on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Entries Sought in 2025 Kerrville New Folk Competition
Entries are now being accepted in the 2025 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, 2025, during the first weekend of the annual Kerrville Folk Festival in the Texas Hill Country near Austin and San Antonio. The entry deadline is March 7, while 24 finalists will be named in mid-April.
FAI Folk Radio Charts – December 2024
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms were the most-played artists and had the top album (Gold in Your Pocket) on folk radio during December 2024, while the late Tom Prasada-Rao had the month’s most-played song (“Christmas in the Ashram”). So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to continue reading this short article, view a couple of videos, and see the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]
Peter Yarrow
Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, 1938 -2025
Peter Yarrow -- the singer-songwriter and social activist best known as part of the seminal folk harmony trio Peter Paul & Mary -- died at his home in New York City on January 7, 2025 following a four year-bout with bladder cancer. He was 86.
FAI Folk Radio Charts – November 2024
Willie Nelson was the most-played artist and had the top album (Last leaf on the Tree) on folk radio during November 2024, while the album’s title track tied with Joe Crookston’s “Oh Mercy, Where Are You Now? “ as the month’s most-played song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to view top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]