About 7 years ago, prodded by a contract from Oxford University Press and Harvard's  African American biography database,  I set out to write up what i thought was the simple easy to get information about Picayune Butler, who I assumed was a historic Black Banjoist who played some role in minstrelsy, and had something to do with the song "Jim Crow".   The research I did led me to understand that most things written to that point were simply and completely wrong, as well as how the world of…See More

I have been recruited to present a "History of the Banjo" presentation for a local historical society.  What credible sources might be suggested for me to put it together.  I would want to begin with the 1) Akonting (maybe showing it being played on YouTube and then 2) use illustrations/paintings and text to describe what the enslaved were playing 3) Joel Sweeney and his learning from the enslaved players, 4) Popularity of the minstrel show 5) The tutorials of the 1850s/'60s, 6) changes in…See More

From Buckley, 1868.

My Freshman effort and world wide sensation "Early Banjo Volume 1" is available on CD for $10.00 including shipping. I found a stash of 1 dozen in clearing out, so I am making them available. Recorded in 2007 on my Hartel Sweeney Banjo, it turns out to be a decent listen with creative interpretations of pieces like "Pea Patch Jig" "Sugar In De Gourd" and O Pray Goody". Get yours today. When its gone...it's gone.Go here for Paypal…See More

Early banjo tune of the week. Buckley's guide for the banjo 1868