Other
California State University: Folklore: The Traditional Ballad Index
The traditional ballad index is an extensive bibliography of folk ballads. There is some summary information.
PBS
Pbs: A World of Stories: The Death of Robin Hood Ballad
Storyteller Dan Keding sings a ballad about the famous folk hero. In the song, efforts to save the hero's life through the practice of "bleeding"-a common medical procedure in medieval times-are unsuccessful.
Contemplator
Folk Music of England, Scotland,ireland, Wales & America
Fine comprehensive intro to folk music of English-speaking countries. Lyrics, background and midi files make this a useful site.
Other
Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie
"The original folk hero", Woody Guthrie was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. He wrote hundreds of songs that he turned into a way to show his social conscience and left-wing radical politics.