The general folk music genre is the most storied music category in the United States. Not only is it one of the oldest genres, but it is also the genre with the most folklore, the most historical nuance, and the most tradition that takes us back to our roots. Consequently, it has a staunch and steadfast fan base full of dedicated listeners, music nuts, historians, as well as high-profile intellectuals and pop culture figures.
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Regarding the last demographic, one field of the arts in which folk music is incredibly popular is the movie business. There have been a plethora of films about folk music, but there are only a handful of Hollywood actors who actually play it. That being said, here are three major Hollywood actors who love to pick a little folk music.
Steve Martin
Steven Martin is a known banjo player. Frankly, it seems a great deal of his public appearances and performances involve the folk instrument. For Martin, the banjo has been an integral part of his comedic act, as he’s often incorporated it in his stand-up sets and other comedic endeavors. However, this isn’t just a bit. The man is a world-class banjo player.
In addition to Martin using the banjo for his own creative expression, the comedian has also played alongside some of the biggest folk and bluegrass bands. Thanks to his talent, Martin has played banjo with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Steep Canyon Rangers.
Jeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels can do it all. Between his comedic roles and dramatic theatrical roles, Daniels is truly an artistic jack of all trades, and one thing to add to his wheelhouse is his folk guitar picking talents. Jeff Daniels has released a good bit of music that all falls under the folk music genre. Evidently, it is not nearly as popular as his acting career.
Regardless, the man seemingly has an innate knack for the folk tradition of musical storytelling. One song that proves this to be true is his original folk tune, “The Curse Of Bobby Lane”. Daniels has played the tune on several occasions, but he most notably did so on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac’s relationship to folk music is displayed in full in the Coen Brothers’ 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis. For the film, Isaac learned how to play guitar, sing, and generally acquaint himself with the rich tradition of folk music. However, it seems his training and preparation have stuck with him, as the actor still takes the stage now and again.
Outside of his role in the film, Isaac hasn’t released any original or cover folk songs. However, he still plays the guitar on late-night talk shows. Though, when it comes to folk music explicitly, it seems Isaac went back to the roots genre rather recently by performing a live cover of “Hang Me Oh, Hang Me” by Dave Van Ronk.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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