3 Famous Folk Songs That Defined the Genre and Reached the Top 3 on the Charts

Folk songs are No. 1 hits in their own right, however, it is very rare for them to peak at the top of the charts. Why is that? Well, that is a loaded question entailing a lot of facets that deserve further interpretation. Even though folk songs are typically robbed of chart placement in the present day, there was a time when they ruled the airwaves.

Of course, when one thinks about folk music’s height, they think of the ’60s and ’70s with acts such as Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Joni Mitchell. Well, you aren’t wrong in thinking that whatsoever, because you are completely right. That being so, here are three of the most famous folk songs to reach the top three on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan

Is this a surprise? Surely not, as Bob Dylan’s 1963 timeless protest song is arguably the most famous folk song of all time. Frankly, people have written distortions on the societal implications this song entailed, so it’s not surprising that it peaked at No. 2.

On July 13, 1963, just a week after its initial release, Dylan’s protest anthem peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Consequently, the song sold over a million copies and was certified platinum by the RIAA. However, its cultural significance easily surpasses its commercial accolades.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

Here is another shocker of a song. Simon & Garfunkel were arguably just as popular as Dylan but for far different reasons. Nonetheless, they did perform better in the charts, and it is partially thanks to their 1970 No. 1 hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Following its release, the song debuted at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, shortly after, it climbed to No. 1 and stayed there for a total of six weeks. To this day, it is one of Simon & Garfunkel and the world of folk music’s biggest hits.

“Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot

Unlike the last two artists, Gordon Lightfoot’s No. 1 track is a bit more surprising and obscure. Although, that seemingly didn’t matter to him or the masses, as Lightfoot scored his only No. 1 hit with his ’70s folk tune, “Sundown.”

Released in March of 1974, Lightfoot’s tune climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on June 29 of the same year. The song stayed at No. 1 for just a week but still remains one of Lightfoot’s most popular songs of all time.

Art Garfunkel (left) and Paul Simon, formerly a composing and performing duo, get together again at the rally at Madison Square Garden per Getty Images