In a BBC Radio 4 three-part series Rhiannon Giddens explores how African American roots music has been whitewashed from the history of American folk and country music. String bands, hoedowns, square dances, old-time fiddle and banjo styles, these sounds were a dominant strand in African American roots music from the 17th century onwards.
From Black to White: Early Banjo History in 2 Minutes
George Washington "Wash" Phillips (January 11, 1880 – September 20, 1954) was an American gospel and gospel blues singer and instrumentalist. The exact nature of the instrument or instruments he played is uncertain, being identified only as "novelty accompaniment" on the labels of the 78 rpm records released during his lifetime.
Much of the music we listen to and the instruments used to make it is taken for granted by audiences and musicians alike. Kafari and Jake Hoffmann reveal the histories of their instruments (the bones and banjo) and the music they make in both objective and personal terms. Furthermore, what does it mean to play them today? As a black man, can Kafari play music on his own terms?
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his Southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through country blues, ragtime, fiddle and banjo, and traditional jazz. Hubby got his higher musical education started as a busker.
American traditional music exponent Hubby Jenkins performs a live-streamed concert and joins us for a discussion. Cosponsored by the DePauw Performing Arts Series and the opening event in DePauw's "The Cultural Legacies of the Great Migration Symposium."
Accomplished Monroe-style mandolin-player Richie Brown currently serves on the board of directors of the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. Richie is associate director of the Museum's Monroe-style mandolin camp and a regular faculty member of Mandolin Camp North. He has contributed several original instrumental compositions to the Reunion Band's repertoire and sings lead and baritone on harmony trios.
Kenyans have been listening to country for 50 years -- ever since Kenya gained independence from Britain. The songs were especially popular in the country’s farming areas. But the homegrown country music industry in Kenya still has a long way to go. One artist driving the movement forward is Elvis Otieno, known as "Sir Elvis."
Dusty & Stones is a Country Music duo from Swaziland, Africa, consisting of cousins, Gazi 'Dusty' Simelane and Linda 'Stones' Msibi, both vocalists, guitarists and songwriters. Swaziland is a small country (a Kingdom) sharing its borders with The Republic of South Africa and Mozambique. The duo was founded in 2005.
Bringing The Banjo From 'Africa To Appalachia'