History of a Banjo: From African Folk to Bluegrass

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Georgetown, District of Columbia / April 2015

An African New World invention combining the best of both European and African elements, early banjos made their way across the ocean to an unwelcoming land. In their new home these musical machines unleashed an exotic power that soon became commonplace (ever heard Cotton-eye Joe?). In their transformation from crude tribal lutes to engines of a new folk culture, Banjos laid testament to the magical influence of music. Captors’ hearts were unwittingly captivated and legions of haters were defeated with song. Today the Banjo is relegated to halls of fame as this painful past is dusted under the rug of time and as new Banjo’s leave their mark in history.

Detailed information about the history of the Banjo here:
http://www.musicfolk.com/docs/Features/Feature_Banjo.htm

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