
Madison, Wis., musician Blake Thomas and his sharp, finely honed group, the Downtown Brown, create a pleasing set of songs, each with elements of laid-back country, roots rock, blues, and hints of Irish folk-pop a la the Waterboys.
As movements in folk grew bigger audiences, some artists starting bringing more pop elements into the folk world. While Peter, Paul & Mary slipped "Puff the Magic Dragon" into children's minds, Burl Ives and the Kingston Trio took folk standards onto pop radio.
Notable Artists: Peter, Paul & Mary, Ian & Sylvia, the New Christy Minstrels