Forgotten Folk Rock: 4 Albums From the 1960s You’ve Never Experienced (But Should)

The 1960s era was the golden age of folk rock, and there are still plenty of old LPs floating around from the genre’s heyday. We know all the big names like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, but what about the underdog albums that didn’t make it as big despite their artists’ immense talent? Let’s take a look at just four forgotten folk rock albums from the 1960s that we think are super underrated!

1. ‘The Stone Poneys Featuring Linda Ronstadt’ by The Stone Poneys

Originally, this 1967 album was simply called The Stone Poneys. However, when iconic member Linda Ronstadt started to get famous as a solo artist, the album was reissued with a new title to capitalize on her star power. 

The Stone Poneys was Ronstadt’s very first band in which she was the lead singer. This stellar album is often overlooked by folk rock fans because Ronstadt’s name is so closely associated with her 1970s-era pop songs, but we think it’s worth a thorough listen.

2. ‘Celebrations For a Grey Day’ by Richard & Mimi Fariña

Would this be a list of forgotten folk rock albums without mentioning at least one husband-and-wife duo? It wouldn’t be on-brand if we left them out! This semi-famous and sorely underrated folk rock duo featured Joan Baez’s sister, Mimi, and her husband Richard. 

Their 1965 album Celebrations For a Grey Day is a stunning folk rock piece of work that was a bit minimalist in nature and completely lacked drums. In fact, only a few tracks on the album featured the electric guitar. For the most part, this record features a more polished and modern Appalachian folk sound, and it works quite beautifully.

3. ‘Fred Neil’ by Fred Neil

Another excellent 1967 folk rock release, this somewhat forgotten self-titled album by Fred Neil deserves more attention. Neil’s voice is dripping with soul, and the album as a whole blends together quite a few genres outside of folk rock. If you like a little jazz and gospel with your 1960s folk rock, this is the album to listen to.

4. ‘Gene Clark Sings For You’ by Gene Clark

We love an album that tells you exactly what you’re getting. This 1967 release from Gene Clark features The Byrds co-founder’s stunning and soothing voice. It’s a special little piece of folk rock history, and the original eight-track version of the album is highly sought-after by music collectors. Thankfully, the internet has more or less immortalized this album in the absence of easily accessible LPs or CDs of the record.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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