Evolved modern versions of minstrel songs...

[Strumelia]

It's fascinating how popular songs can get changed so much as they are brought into modern times.

Here's Keemo Kimo as sung by Nat King Cole (Tim- take note of the creepy marionettes!- maybe you want to do a minstrel version of this with your own little 'friends'...? lol)

Can YOU find other songs from our familiar mid 1800s minstrel repertoire that have drastically changed or strange modern versions?

[Mark Weems]

I love Nat Cole. Great piano player too. Used to put him on in my dorm room in college whenever I could get a girl in there! 

[Tom Taggart]

Nat definately had a great voice.  One of my favorite singers.

[Al Smitley]

I agree.......and I like Ella.   They viewed the song as important, not a mere tool to show off their voice.

[Mark Weems]

Here is a totally corrupted (via Pete Seeger) version of Jim Along Josey, which is now done as a children's song of all things - boy, if they only knew the original lyrics!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2Pq1qm_b4E

[Strumelia]

...and such polite washboard and spoon players!   ;-o