What is the best folk band of all time?

Folk music is the voice of the people — passed down through generations, evolving with each era but always rooted in storytelling and community. From the protest anthems of Peter, Paul and Mary to the indie folk renaissance of Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons, these artists kept the tradition alive while making it new. Which folk act deserves the title of greatest of all time?

1

Peter, Paul and Mary

Folk trio known for "Puff the Magic Dragon" and protest music

2

Simon & Garfunkel

Folk duo known for "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

3

The Kingston Trio

Folk trio that sparked the American folk revival with "Tom Dooley"

4

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Folk rock supergroup known for "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"

5

The Byrds

Folk rock pioneers known for "Mr. Tambourine Man"

6

Fleet Foxes

Indie folk band from Seattle known for lush harmonies

7

Mumford & Sons

British folk rock band known for "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man"

8

The Lumineers

Denver folk rock band known for "Ho Hey"

9

Fairport Convention

British folk rock pioneers who helped define the genre

10

Pentangle

British folk group known for blending traditional folk with jazz

11

The Pogues

Irish punk folk band known for "Fairytale of New York"

12

Neutral Milk Hotel

Indie folk band known for "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea"

13

Iron & Wine

Folk project by Sam Beam known for intimate acoustic music

14

The Decemberists

Portland indie folk band known for literary lyrics

15

Steeleye Span

British folk rock band known for electrifying traditional English folk songs

16

Hozier

Irish singer-songwriter known for "Take Me to Church"

17

The Weavers

American folk group that helped launch the folk revival in the 1950s