Not too long ago, A Complete Unknown, a star-studded Bob Dylan biopic, hit the big screen. The movie highlights Dylan’s early career and his controversial decision to “go electric.” Along the way, it spotlights some of the biggest names from the Greenwich Village folk scene—and while some are legendary, others are slowly fading away. In this article, we’ll discuss the musicians featured in A Complete Unknown and which records you should add to your collection.
THE BIG STARS
The movie features some influential folk legends during Dylan’s early years: Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Both artists spearheaded the folk revival movement after World War II. But if you’re not a die-hard folk fan, their music might catch you off-guard at first. By then, folk music had stronger connections to blues and country music, which may seem outdated compared to the rock-influenced folk scene of the 1960s.
From Pete Seeger, I’d recommend exploring his American Favorite Ballads series. These albums were released in several volumes, with the first two standing out. I really love these albums. They’re a treasure trove of folk tradition with a large scope. The songs are about everything—from stories of ordinary people to love songs and cautionary tales. They’re also a great introduction for anybody interested in folk music.
As for Woody Guthrie, his best album is undoubtedly the Dust Bowl Ballads. It’s very unlike the compilations from Seeger I recommended. The Dust Bowl Ballads form a cohesive narrative and tell the story of those who lived through the Dust Bowl era of the early 20th century. In my opinion, this album is one of the best records in general and a must-listen for anyone interested in music or history.
Seeger and Guthrie are perhaps best known for their protest songs, which also became a hallmark of Dylan’s early career. Some of these songs have remained relevant in the following decades. Guthrie’s most iconic song, “This Land Is Your Land,” has had countless variations. Seeger has a lot of protest music as well. His best material is compiled in If I Had a Hammer: Songs of Hope and Struggle, released by the Smithsonian Folkways. Unfortunately, this compilation is unavailable in vinyl, but it’s still a must-listen.
JOAN BAEZ: BEYOND THE MUSE
A Complete Unknown is a movie about both Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. For many years, some people have reduced Baez’s music accomplishments to just being “Dylan’s muse.” However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Their artistic relationship was mutual, and Dylan greatly inspired Baez. Dylan was also a newcomer in the folk scene when Baez gained traction as a full-fledged artist.
However, today, many people associate Baez with her covers of Dylan’s music. I even have friends who only know her because of these covers! But if that’s your only impression of Baez, you’re missing out. I highly recommend picking up her early albums, starting with her self-titled debut. Just don’t confuse it with Joan, a 1967 release. While Joan isn’t a bad album, it’s a mixed bag, and I wouldn’t recommend starting with it.
Another standout in Joan Baez’s discography is Diamonds & Rust, a more mature album released in 1975. While it is mostly a covers album, it’s still a very good one. At times, it cleverly incorporates synths to create a unique blend with folk music. It’s my favorite album of hers, and it shows how Baez had grown as an artist by then.
THE LESSER-KNOWN ARTISTS
The biopic also features some other artists of the Greenwich Village folk scene who, sadly, have faded into obscurity. I’m a big fan of these musicians, and I was very surprised to see them represented on the big screen. Their music is really good and deserves to be listened to by more people.
Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey make a brief appearance in the film. If their names don’t ring a bell, perhaps their band will—Peter, Paul, and Mary. Today, they’re mostly remembered for their Dylan covers and iconic rendition of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” However, I think that they deserve more recognition. During the 1960s, Peter, Paul, and Mary were very successful commercially, and their success played a huge role in bringing folk music into the mainstream.
I recommend you to check out Moving, one of their early albums. It includes their song “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” which can be considered a psychedelic folk song.
Dave Van Ronk is another great artist who briefly appears in the movie. I love Van Ronk’s raspy voice and distinctive arrangements, though I’ll admit they’re not for everyone. Today, Van Ronk is best known for his arrangement of the “House of the Rising Sun.” Bob Dylan borrowed elements of it for his own version, and both inspired The Animal’s iconic folk-rock rendition. If you’re curious about Van Ronk, I recommend you check out Just Dave Van Ronk. This album includes the song, and it’s a surprisingly affordable vinyl—perhaps because Van Ronk is an unappreciated gem.
Lastly, Maria Muldaur also makes an appearance. She first worked with her then-husband, Geoff Muldaur, and they succeeded as the duo Geoff & Maria. When Maria Muldaur went solo, she released the hit song “Midnight at the Oasis,” which made it to #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song appears in her self-titled album, Maria Muldaur, one of my favorite records in my collection.
WHERE TO BUY THESE FOLK ALBUMS
I always prefer shopping at vintage record stores or local thrift shops when it comes to folk albums. Folk was a big music movement in the 20th century, but its popularity has waned recently. This decline in demand makes it more likely for someone to donate their folk records. It’s easy to find good deals on folk albums; if you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon some signed copies!
EBay is also a great option if you cannot find what you’re looking for locally. Because many of these albums aren’t in high demand, shopping from online sellers is affordable. Sometimes, you’ll even find bulk deals, allowing you to grow your folk collection quickly.
David Espino-Lozada is a writer and editor with a passion for literature and poetry. He has published numerous articles and is also involved in writing sci-fi for video games. An avid collector, David has an extensive collection of books, music, and vintage male clothing. When he’s not writing, he enjoys diving into the depths of the internet and libraries, indulging his fascination with the world of collectibles and heirlooms.
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