Folksinger (Prestige International PR- INT 13056 [1962] reissued as Prestige Folklore FL 14012 [1963]) was recorded in April 1962. Inside Dave Van Ronk (Prestige Folklore FL 14025) would combine with it and all end up on the Fantasy Records 1989 CD release, Inside Dave Van Ronk. That combination was released as a double LP set in 1972 as Van Ronk (not the 1969 album of the same name). Songs from Folksinger along with selections from Inside Dave Van Ronk and In the Tradition were also released on the Big Beat label in the compilation Hesitation Blues.
Allmusic gave it a 5 of 5 stars in their review and stated "This is a vital touchstone of Americana and likewise is highly recommended as a key component of any serious collection of 20th century folk music." It is the only Van Ronk album to have received 5/5 stars from Allmusic.[4]
^Pitchfork Staff (August 22, 2017). "The 200 Best Albums of the 1960s". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 15, 2023. On Folksinger...he filters plaintive 12-bar traditionals through jazzy folk paces...