It comes as no surprise that there are plenty of great folk songs about the fall. From farm harvests to changing leaves, crisp air to comforting warm beverages, something about this season inspires writers and musicians to open up to their audiences, sharing their fall feelings, memories, and hopes.
Perhaps it's the cold weather dissuading folks from venturing outside their homes. Or it could be the annual holidays, festivals, and traditions that bring communities and families together… Or maybe it’s simply the mysterious autumn magic in the air…
As leaves change from green to gold and red, we too are inspired to harvest some songs for the autumn season. We teamed up with WFMT’s own resident folk expert Marilyn Rea Beyer (host of The Midnight Special and Folkstage) to curate a wide-ranging selection of folk music for this wonderful time of year.
Of course, expect some old classics; it’s not truly autumn without hearing at least one version of Autumn Leaves, or Alice’s Restaurant. And who can forget autumnal songs that remind us of our favorite fall foods, like Apple Picker’s Reel, or Sippin’ Cider Through a Straw?
Yet just as the fall brings the opportunity to enjoy plenty of annual traditions, it also marks a time of transition — one that provides the perfect chance to mix old with new, and color our present with sounds of past and future.
From Simon & Garfunkel to Kaia Kater, Dom Flemons, and The Kruger Brothers, keep this playlist close at hand for your cozy autumnal days and nights, and let this music inspire traditions and memories for years to come!
For more folk music this fall, be sure to keep up to date with WFMT’s folk programs! Tune in to Folkstage for full concerts at 8:00 pm, followed by The Midnight Special from 9:00 pm to midnight. Saturdays on WFMT: 98.7 FM, wfmt.com, or the WFMT app. And for more great playlists, follow WFMT on Spotify and Apple Music!
