# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published April 13, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-folk-band-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

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

Tags: folk, music, bands