Includes bibliographical references (p. 185-190) and index.
Contents:
African American roots -- The origins of black face minstrelsy -- The birth of a banjoist -- On the road in Great Britain -- Back in the United States : touring with a minstrel band and final days -- The Virginia minstrels and the dawn of the minstrel show -- Ethiopian serenaders : British minstrelsy after Sweeney -- The banjo in Australia -- Minstrel touring in the American south -- P.T. Barnum's black face adventures -- Sweeney's repertoire -- Joel Walker Sweeney and the "invention" of the 5-string banjo -- Sweeney's influence -- Sam Sweeney : war years with J.E.B. Stuart.
Summary:
"A professional banjo player, Joel Sweeney introduced mainstream America to a music (and musical instrument) which had its roots in the transplanted black culture of the southern slave. Beginning with the banjo's introduction to America and Great Britain, the book provides an overview of early banjo music. An appendix contains a performance chronology"--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.