Here are a few reasons why some folkies may have been critical of rock and roll in the early days:
1. Musical Differences: Folk music is typically characterized by acoustic instrumentation, traditional songs, and a focus on storytelling. Rock and roll, on the other hand, often featured electric instruments, loud vocals, and a driving rhythm section, which some folkies saw as a departure from the "pure" folk tradition.
2. Cultural Divide: The folk scene and the rock and roll scene represented different social and cultural groups in the 1960s. Folk music was associated with intellectuals, political activists, and a more bohemian lifestyle, while rock and roll was more closely tied to youth culture and a less overtly political stance.
3. Commercial Success: Rock and roll gained immense commercial popularity among teenagers and mainstream audiences, while folk music remained relatively niche. Some folk musicians may have felt overshadowed or threatened by the success and popularity of rock and roll.
It's important to note that not all folk musicians were opposed to rock and roll. Many folk performers, such as Bob Dylan, began experimenting with electric instruments and rock-influenced sounds in the mid-1960s. Additionally, some folk musicians embraced the fusion of folk and rock, leading to the development of genres like folk rock, psychedelic folk, and country rock.