Joel Walker Sweeney was, in essence, the Elvis Presley of the 1840s. A professional banjo player, Sweeney introduced mainstream America to a music (and musical instrument) which had its roots in the transplanted black culture of the southern slave. Sweeney, an Irish-American born midway between Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia, sampled African American music at a young age. He then added more traditional southern sounds to the music he heard, in essence creating a new musical form. The only avenue available to a ...
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Joel Walker Sweeney was, in essence, the Elvis Presley of the 1840s. A professional banjo player, Sweeney introduced mainstream America to a music (and musical instrument) which had its roots in the transplanted black culture of the southern slave. Sweeney, an Irish-American born midway between Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia, sampled African American music at a young age. He then added more traditional southern sounds to the music he heard, in essence creating a new musical form. The only avenue available to a professional banjo player was that of traveling minstrelsy shows and it was this route which Sweeney used to bring his music to the attention of the public. Beginning with the banjo's introduction to America and Great Britain, the book examines early banjo music and covers the evolution of American minstrelsy (i.e., black face) and the opportunities it provided for artists such as Sweeney. Correcting previous fallacies and misconceptions (such as Sweeney's supposed development of the five-string banjo), the work discusses Sweeney's roots, his music and his contribution to the physical development of the instrument. An appendix contains a performance chronology. The work is also indexed.
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Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo. Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $28.60, like new condition, Sold by The Blue Penguin rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from FRODSHAM,, CHESHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by McFarland & Co.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. No Jacket. Glossy card covers, small 4to, pp. x, 193. Illustrated. Early American banjo music from the 1840`s and its development into Minstrelsy, with particular emphasis on the role Joel Walker Sweeney played. Very slight and minor ripple in cover else an unread copy. Fine Size: 4to-over 9¾"-12" tall.
Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $31.25, good condition, Sold by Cheryls-Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Vinemont, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by McFarland & Company.
Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $47.02, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by McFarland & Company.
Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $59.44, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by McFarland & Co Inc Pub.
Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $79.04, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by McFarland & Company.
Add this copy of The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early to cart. $87.78, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by McFarland & Company.
