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. 1
   Peter, Paul and Mary

   Folk trio known for "Puff the Magic Dragon" and protest music
2. 2
   Simon & Garfunkel

   Folk duo known for "The Sound of Silence" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
3. 3
   The Kingston Trio

   Folk trio that sparked the American folk revival with "Tom Dooley"
4. 4
   Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

   Folk rock supergroup known for "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"
5. 5
   The Byrds

   Folk rock pioneers known for "Mr. Tambourine Man"
6. 6
   Fleet Foxes

   Indie folk band from Seattle known for lush harmonies
7. 7
   Mumford & Sons

   British folk rock band known for "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man"
8. 8
   The Lumineers

   Denver folk rock band known for "Ho Hey"
9. 9
   Fairport Convention

   British folk rock pioneers who helped define the genre
10. 10
    Pentangle

    British folk group known for blending traditional folk with jazz
11. 11
    The Pogues

    Irish punk folk band known for "Fairytale of New York"
12. 12
    Neutral Milk Hotel

    Indie folk band known for "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea"
13. 13
    Iron & Wine

    Folk project by Sam Beam known for intimate acoustic music
14. 14
    The Decemberists

    Portland indie folk band known for literary lyrics
15. 15
    Steeleye Span

    British folk rock band known for electrifying traditional English folk songs
16. 16
    Hozier

    Irish singer-songwriter known for "Take Me to Church"
17. 17
    The Weavers

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