Tag: banjo

Dubois: “The Banjo” (2016)

“The growing of a new gourd in strange lands to replace the broken ones of the old, the crafting of strings to sound out new songs.”

CD: “Global Banjar”

Delineates the development of diverse national, racial, and class identities in antebellum pop/folk banjo music from various corners of the 19th century globe…

Banjo History Videos

Here are some videos on banjo history, noting especially the early banjo’s roots in Africa and the Caribbean: Akonting Roundtable Segment One: The History and Music of the Akonting

Rice: Correct Method for the Banjo… (1858)

with or without a master. / CONTAINING THE MOST POPULAR, Banjo Solos, Duets, Trios and Songs, / performed by the Buckley’s, Christy’s, Bryant’s, Campbell’s, White’s / And other Celebrated Bands of Minstrels of which the Author was a member.

Briggs: Banjo Instructor (1855)

“Containing the elementary principles of music, together with examples and lessons, … to which is added a choice collection of pieces, numbering over fifty popular dances, polkas, melodies, &c. &c., many of which have never before been published. Composed and arranged expressly for this work.”

Buckley: Banjo Guide (1868)

“Containing the Elementary Principles of Music, Together with New, Easy, and Progressive Exercises, and a Great Variety of Songs, Dances, and Beautiful Melodies, Many of Them Never Before Published.”

Ring, Ring De Banjo (Foster, 1851)

Frederick Douglass (1845) ~ “Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears…”