Kristina R. Gaddy
Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History
Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History
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- More about Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History
Kristina Gaddy's book explores the banjo's history, from its creation by enslaved people of African descent to its outlawing and eventual integration into jazz, bluegrass, and country music.
Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co
In a remarkable tale spanning two centuries,Kristina Gaddy delves into the profound significance of the banjo in Black spirituality, rituals, and rebellion. Through meticulous research in diaries, letters, archives, and art, she traces the banjo's origins from the seventeenth century, when enslaved people of African descent crafted it from gourds or calabashes and wood. Gaddy unveils how the enslaved carried this unique instrument as they were transported and sold by slaveowners across the Americas, to Suriname, the Caribbean, and the colonies that later became US states, including Louisiana, South Carolina, Maryland, and New York.
African Americans gathered at rituals where the banjo played a central role, fostering a sense of unity and resistance. White governments, rightly concerned about the potential for revolt, attempted to outlaw these gatherings, but to no avail. In the mid-nineteenth century, Blackface minstrels embraced the banjo, giving rise to a craze that eventually permeated jazz, bluegrass, and country music. However, the banjo's rich history was gradually forgotten, overshadowed by the evolving musical landscape.
This captivating journey through time highlights the banjo's enduring influence on Black culture and its resilience in the face of adversity. Gaddy's meticulous research sheds light on the instrument's historical significance and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. The banjo's journey from its humble beginnings as a tool of resistance to its eventual integration into mainstream music genres is a testament to the power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Weight: 544g
Dimension: 163 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393866803
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