Talkin’ Greenwich Village: Folk Music’s Legacy in the Village

The 1960s was an era defined by political unrest, civil rights protests, and the re-popularization of American folk music. Author David Browne’s book, Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music explores the significance of Greenwich Village as an epicenter for folk and other countercultural movements in the mid-20th century, including as a breeding ground for artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Phil Ochs. We’re looking forward to what should be a fascinating book talk with David Browne about the book on November 19th.

Let’s take a look at some of the notable figures and spots Browne writes about, and how they contributed to the Village’s unique music scene and artistic edge. 

Dave Van Ronk and “Dave Van Ronk Street”

Nestled between Barrow and Grove on West Washington Street sits Dave van Ronk Street, aptly honoring the legendary guitarist and folk singer who once lived on the block. Sometimes referred to as “The Mayor of MacDougal Street,” little of the Village folk scene would have existed without the work, contributions, and leadership of Dave van Ronk. Born and raised in Brooklyn, van Ronk was as true a New Yorker as a musician, who grew up playing the ukulele and listening to jazz on the radio. He also spent time in Queens, parts of lower Manhattan, and with the Merchant Marines before finding a long-term home in the Village.

Van Ronk was known for his large physical stature, infectious charisma, and mentorship and guidance to other music legends. His apartment at 15 Sheridan Square served as a hub and hangout spot for folk musicians across generations. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Tom Paxton, and Bob Dylan befriended van Ronk and worked alongside him for years. The New York Times summarizes it best in van Ronk’s 2002 obituary: Mr. Van Ronk had three essential qualities for his role in the folk revival of the 1950’s and 60’s: a sense of history, a sense of humor and a gift for making fellow musicians feel at home. His teachings also reflected his own progressive beliefs, striving to move the pendulum forward. Dave van Ronk was one of the original thirteen people arrested on June 28th, 1969 at the start of the Stonewall Uprising.

And while Van Ronk’s own music never achieved mainstream success, he paved the way for a generation of iconic folk, blues, and jazz musicians.

Izzy’s Folklore Center

In early 1957, Izzy Young opened his shop, the Folklore Center, and sold records, books, instruments, and knickknacks to the Beatniks and free-spirits of the Village who were meandering around the block that included Café Wha, the Gaslight, and the Kettle of Fish. Bob Dylan was a frequent patron, and could often be found In the back of the shop playing records and working out new song lyrics. The Folklore Center is also where Dylan met Dave van Ronk. Young’s shop, located at 110 MacDougal Street, was the neighborhood’s heartbeat and offered musicians and scenesters a hangout spot to talk music, politics, and philosophies. Young closed his New York store in 1973 and moved to Stockholm where he opened the Folklore Centrum at Roslagsgatan in Vasastan.

Gerde’s Folk City

About two blocks east of Washington Square Park stood the unassuming yet incredibly popular Gerde’s Folk City. First opened as Gerdes, an Italian restaurant by owner Mike Porco, the establishment’s connection to music was secondhand. That is, until Porco joined forces with folk legend Izzy Young to turn Gerdes into a music venue in January 1960. Due to a personal falling out between Porco and Young, the collaboration was shortlived and only lasted until June of that year, when the venue found a permanent name underneath Gerde’s Folk City.

A true village institution, Gerdes’ stage saw some of the biggest musicians of the twentieth century. In April 1961, Bob Dylan played his first official gig, supporting John Lee Hooker at Gerde’s. Only a year later, Dylan debuted Blowin’ in the Wind on Gerde’s stage, one of the artist’s most popular songs. And the venue’s playbill speaks for itself, which aside from Dylan included the likes of Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas and The Papas, the Byrds, The Lovin’ Spoonful, the Youngbloods, and Emmylou Harris. 

Gerde’s tenure was brief and the club closed its doors after rent increases in 1987. But Gerde’s legacy lives on—Rolling Stone Book of Lists cited Gerde’s Folk City as one of the three top music venues in the world.

The Village’s connection to the folk scene is endless, and its legacy continues to resonate today — not only through the songs to which we continue to listen, but also through the very spaces and stories that helped nurture them. The contributions of artists like Dave van Ronk, the unique hangouts like the Folklore Center and Gerde’s Folk City, and the community that gathered to share music, politics, and ideals, all shaped a music revolution. Explore more about the Village’s folk scene on our Tour of the South Village, and join us in November 19th for a fascinating talk with author David Browne about his book, Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music — register or get more information here.