Moods: Earthy

Some of the most influential, memorable and legendary folk songs of all time.

In memory of the life of Levon Helm (1940-2012), this playlist explores the country- and blues-flavored roots rock of The Band. Each recording on this playlist features a performance by Robbie, Rick, Richard, Garth or Levon.

These are the women who wander freely through the worlds of folk, country, bluegrass, and other Americana styles, stirring up a sound that evokes an evening spent watching the sun go down on a rural back porch.

Developed by John Fahey and artists on his Takoma Records label, this finger-picking style of guitar playing combines country and blues techniques with neo-classical composition.

This playlist includes all of the early Texas blues pioneers, some of whom were the first to play the blues with an electric guitar.

Bluegrass is a genre of country music that emerged from Appalachia in the 1940s as a faster, more complex take on traditional string band music. Listen to the songs that have helped define this rich, and surprisingly diverse, musical tradition.

Go deeper into the chilly beauty, imagination and melancholy that's at the heart of Justin Vernon's music. Explore his influences, contemporaries and several of the artists Vernon (aka Bon Iver) has collaborated with.

Rest your weary heads, lovers of classic country music. Here's a host of old-school acoustic ballads, from the first wave of Nashville stars to the later artists who kept the classic country sound alive.

Songs by indie artists that are strongly influenced by traditional roots rock, bluegrass, and country. Rootsy and rough around the edges.

Johnny Cash called the Bristol sessions of 1927 "the most important event in the history of country music." This open-mike recording session for Appalachia's "hillbilly" musicians was the commercial debut of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

Folk and folk-like tunes from both sides of the pond that evoke a forest setting.

Dating back to 1930s, these are some of the earliest recordings of blues music. Though it had humble beginnings, the blues music of the Mississippi Delta paved the way for rock & roll.

Known as the "Motown of Jamaica," Trenchtown's Studio One was the vision of producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and the original home to a staggering array of artists like Bob Marley, The Skatalites, Toots & Maytals, Anton Ellis, and more.

Whether they're jamming on extended improvisational solos, combining unlikely genres, or playing songs backwards, jam bands make innovative, risky, and unclassifiable music that'll never sound the same way twice.

Listen to key tracks from today's most popular Americana albums, as measured by the Americana Music Association's weekly airplay chart.

Some of the heaviest hitters ever to hoist a bluegrass axe, from the old school (Bill Monroe) to the new crew (Chris Thile).

A collection of warm acoustic songs, handpicked for enjoying the crisp autumn air, fall foliage, and hot apple cider.

Rasta, repatriation, and reefer: classic roots reggae from the 1970s.

Praise is at the heart of the south's black gospel tradition. Spirituals blend with blues and jazz, sung with soul as solos, trios, and quartets. Testify!

Dirty, dusty sounds left out in the sun too long, echoing off the steer skulls and sand dunes into the wide open spaces.

Long before the blues went electric and urban, these rural pioneers were laying down the foundations of the genre, usually with no more than a voice and acoustic guitar.

In the 1970s a new genre of music emerged from Nigeria called afrobeat. Created by the legendary bandleader Fela Kuti, afrobeat combined funk, jazz and psychedelic rock with West African highlife music and politically-charged lyrics.

Formed by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, Communion Records has played a leading role in defining the rootsy and melancholy sound of today's British folk music scene. Listen to the best tracks from artists signed to the label.

This playlist brings to mind autumn's greatest perk: sweater weather. Spend a cool, crisp day with friends and this earthy mix of easy-going rock from the '60s to today.

From folk-inspired singer-songwriters to the heartland rock of the prairie provinces to the indie scenes of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, we put the Canadian in "Canadian content."

Armed with shimmering tambourines, twangy guitars, chanting vocals, and the occasional handclap, these nostalgic indie ensembles evoke memories of long nights under big skies.

This lively and fun collection of indie and Americana music will keep you clapping, stomping and smiling.

Listen to songs by Mumford & Sons and other artists who achieve the same mix of twangy upbeat rhythms and melancholy resonance.

Not quite country, not exactly folk, not really rock, and not strictly blues, Americana is the sound of American roots coming together in a melting pot of sound.

Alt-country is country and honky-tonk music with alternative and punk rock influences. Unlike the contemporary Nashville sound, alt-country is gritty, raw, and rough around the edges.

The bluegrass tradition is full of the hardest, fastest, most foot-stomping tunes ever to emerge from an acoustic axe. From the old-school icons to the newgrass torch-carriers, these bluegrass shredders let their fingers do the talking.

What's the difference between a fiddler and a violinist? Fiddlers have more fun! Savor the sawin' and choppin' sounds of these virtuosic and legendary bluegrass fiddle masters.

The Avett Brothers' handpicked songs from their Grammy-nominated album "The Carpenter" (http://smarturl.it/AvettCarpenter) along with songs by their influences, tour mates, and contemporaries who share their penchant for down-home, honest songwriting.

Let some of indie folk's most soothing songwriters guide you to sleep with their hushed acoustic guitars and delicate arrangements. Sleep tight!

Perhaps it's the vast countryside, the towering mountains, or the epic prairies, but Canada has long inspired singer-songwriters to weave gorgeous music with beautiful verse. Enjoy some of our legendary troubadours as well as the new generation who are carrying on the tradition.