Christian folk music is a genre that combines the acoustic storytelling style of traditional folk music with themes centered on Christian faith and spirituality. This genre often features simple, acoustic instrumentation and focuses on themes like spirituality, redemption, and the human experience through the lens of Christian beliefs. It draws from traditional folk music styles but is distinguished by its religious content, often intended for worship or personal reflection. The music can range from hymns to contemporary songs, reflecting the diverse cultures and traditions within Christianity.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best Christian folk artists. We chose artists who are inspired by Scripture and devotional in tone while defying stereotypes and pushing stylistic boundaries of what we’re used to in Christian folk music. The good news is many artists fit these criteria—there’s no shortage of excellent Christian folk music today.
Our Top 10 Picks of the Best Christian Folk Artists
Here is a broad overview of 10 notable Christian folk music artists, highlighting their contributions to the genre:
1. Rich Mullins
Rich Mullins is an influential Christian singer-songwriter known for his deeply spiritual lyrics and folk-inspired sound. He is a pioneering figure in Christian folk music. His music, including songs like Awesome God and If I Stand, mixes folk and contemporary Christian music, offering heartfelt expressions of faith and spirituality that continue to influence the genre. His style of music often blends folk, rock, and contemporary Christian music, offering a raw and authentic expression of faith.
2. Fernando Ortega
Fernando Ortega is a singer-songwriter known for his reflective and worshipful music. He is one of the best Christian folk music artists known for his gentle, acoustic style and emphasis on traditional hymns and worship songs. His style is deeply rooted in folk traditions, with simple acoustic arrangements and a focus on hymns and scriptural themes. His songs like Give Me Jesus and Be Thou My Vision are deeply rooted in Christian tradition and folk music, offering listeners a peaceful and contemplative experience.
3. Andrew Peterson
Andrew Peterson is known for his storytelling ability and folk-style music. His lyrics often explore themes of faith, doubt, and hope, offering listeners a thoughtful and introspective experience. His Behold the Lamb of God album, a beloved work that tells the story of Christ's birth, highlights his ability to weave biblical stories into a folk music framework. As one of the best Christian folk music artists, his music resonates with those seeking spiritual reflection and a deeper connection to their faith.
4. Sara Groves
Sara Groves is a Christian folk artist who is known for her emotional depth and lyrical insight into Christian folk music. Her songs often reflect personal struggles and spiritual journeys, resonating with listeners who appreciate honest and heartfelt expressions of faith. Songs like Add to the Beauty reflect her commitment to using folk music as a medium for spiritual reflection. Sara Groves is a trailblazer in the realm of Christian folk music, infusing her compositions with raw emotion and profound insights. Her music connects with audiences on a deep level, touching hearts and souls with its sincerity and authenticity.
5. John Michael Talbot
John Michael Talbot is regarded as one of the best Christian folk music artists of the last decade, blending folk, classical, and liturgical influences in his music. As a founder of the Christian monastic community The Brothers and Sisters of Charity, his music is deeply spiritual, often drawing on the Psalms and other scriptural sources. His music, such as Holy Is His Name, often draws on scripture and Christian tradition, creating a deeply spiritual listening experience that has influenced Christian worship and personal devotion for decades.
6. Josh Garrels
Josh Garrels is known for his eclectic style in Christian folk music, which combines folk, indie, and hip-hop influences. His music often explores Christian themes in unconventional ways, with lyrics that address social issues, spirituality, and personal growth. His album Love & War & The Sea In Between exemplifies his innovative take on Christian folk music.
7. Phil Keaggy
Phil Keaggy is a renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter whose contributions to Christian folk music are significant, particularly through his acoustic and instrumental work, which has influenced both Christian and secular music scenes. While his style spans several genres, his folk-inspired acoustic work, particularly in albums like The Master and the Musician, showcases his skillful blending of instrumental music and Christian themes.
8. Michael Card
Michael Card is one of the most prolific Christian folk artists whose music combines folk, classical, and contemporary elements. His songs are often deeply theological, drawing on scripture and Christian tradition to create a rich tapestry of spiritual insight. Albums like The Life series often explore biblical narratives and Christian doctrines, using the folk music style to create an accessible and reflective experience for listeners.
9. Caedmon’s Call
Caedmon’s Call is a band that emerged in the 1990s, blending folk, rock, and Christian worship to bring a fresh approach to Christian folk music. Caedmon’s Call is known for their acoustic-driven sound and thoughtful lyrics, they have produced numerous albums that explore themes of faith, community, and social justice. Their album 40 Acres is particularly notable. As one of the pioneering groups in the realm of Christian folk music, Caedmon’s Call has left an indelible mark on the genre with their fusion of folk, rock, and worship elements.
10. Jason Gray
Jason Gray is a contemporary Christian music artist known for his folk-pop sound and lyrical focus on grace, redemption, and personal struggle. His music is often introspective, dealing with the complexities of life and faith in a relatable and poignant manner. Songs like Remind Me Who I Am use the folk music tradition to explore the complexities of life and faith, making it relatable and impactful for a wide audience.
Conclusively, these artists have each made significant contributions to the Christian folk music genre, offering a diverse range of sounds and messages that continue to inspire and encourage listeners in their faith journeys. They have shaped the Christian folk music genre by merging the storytelling and acoustic elements of folk with deeply spiritual and reflective Christian themes, creating a powerful and enduring musical tradition.