Carolyn Hester

Carolyn Hester is a key figure in the American folk revival of the 1960s, known for her clear, expressive voice and her role in helping to bring folk music to broader audiences. Born in Texas, she began her recording career in the late 1950s and became a prominent part of the Greenwich Village folk scene. Hester's early albums featured traditional folk songs and original material, and her self-titled 1961 album for Columbia Records notably included a young Bob Dylan on harmonica—one of his first recorded appearances.

A passionate supporter of acoustic folk and protest music, Hester was often mentioned alongside other influential folk artists of the era such as Joan Baez and Judy Collins. Over the years, she has continued to perform and record, with releases like We Dream Forever and Texas Songbird reflecting her enduring love for storytelling through song and her deep Texas roots. Hester’s legacy is that of a pioneer who helped pave the way for generations of singer-songwriters.