Answer :
Final answer:
The song 2. 'Tom Dooley' by The Kingston Trio is often credited with initiating the folk music revival in mainstream pop.
Explanation:
The song often credited with initiating the folk music revival in mainstream pop is 2. 'Tom Dooley,' performed by The Kingston Trio. This song became a hit in 1958 and helped to bring folk music to a broader audience, ushering in a wave of interest in both traditional and contemporary folk songs.
This eventually paved the way for other folk-oriented artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to gain popularity, as well as contribute to the surge of protest songs, which were significant during movements such as the Civil Rights Movement.