Videos tagged with American music history

This video explores the historical journey of the banjo, tracing its origins from West Africa and the Caribbean to its prominence in the 19th-century commercial music scene. It highlights a significant archaeological find from an 18th-century Maryland plantation and touches upon the current landscape of traditional banjo culture. The description also includes numerous links to support the creator, Clifton Hicks, through Patreon, merchandise, courses, and streaming services.

This YouTube video features Aaron Stephens performing "Old Uncle Ned," a song from 1847 composed by Stephen Foster. Stephens plays an original 1840s William E. Boucher minstrel banjo, which is tuned to approximately eAEG♯B. The video highlights historical musical performance and an antique instrument. The description also provides links to support the creator's work through platforms like Patreon, SubscribeStar, Bandcamp, and offers merchandise. It also directs viewers to Aaron Stephens' own YouTube channel, @CousinErn, and mentions Clifton Hicks' Spotify and iTunes profiles.

This YouTube video showcases a late 1890s S.S. Stewart "Special Thoroughbred" banjo with a 10-5/8" pot. The description extensively details the historical and cultural context of the banjo, linking it to Native American heritage, folk music traditions, moundbuilders, outlaws, and early minstrel shows. It highlights various playing styles, musical genres (including blues, waltz, skiffle, tin pan alley, Afro-Caribbean, West African, Cajun zydeco, Métis, Creole, and Melungeon indigenous traditions), and associated artists and musicians. The creator, Clifton Hicks, also provides links to his Patreon, SubscribeStar, Bandcamp, merchandise, and payment platforms.

This video explores the history and heritage of the 1890s S.S. Stewart "Thoroughbred" banjo. It delves into the life of Sam Stewart, his early obsession with the banjo, and his significant impact on the instrument's cultural perception. The description highlights Stewart's transition from a marginalized instrument to an icon of American culture. The content touches upon various banjo playing styles, historical contexts like minstrel shows, and connections to folk and indigenous music traditions. It also lists numerous influential banjo players and musicians.

This video showcases a handmade fretless tackhead minstrel banjo crafted by Clifton Hicks. The description highlights various old-time banjo playing styles including overhand, clawhammer, two-finger, and thumb-lead techniques. It delves into the historical and anthropological context of minstrel music, Southern Appalachian mountain music, and influences from Afro-Caribbean and West African traditions, as well as Métis, Creole, Melungeon, and indigenous North American music. The content mentions numerous influential old-time musicians and traditions, offering a deep dive into the roots and evolution of this musical genre.

This video showcases an early 1880s minstrel banjo, likely manufactured in New York, potentially by Buckbee or Cubley. The focus is on the instrument itself and its historical context. The description provides links to the artist's Patreon, Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes, and PayPal for those interested in supporting or acquiring music by Clifton Hicks, who specializes in banjo music.

This video features Clifton Hicks performing 'Trouble on My Mind' on a historical 1867 Dobson banjo. The performance highlights advanced clawhammer technique and deep knowledge of traditional folk music. The song's lyrics, detailing a banjo strung with twine and experiences in Lynchburg, offer a glimpse into historical narratives and musical traditions.

This YouTube video features Clifton Hicks playing "Boil them Cabbage Down" on his new banjo, offering a "Banjo Q&A." The description delves into a rich history of old-time banjo playing, detailing various techniques such as overhand, clawhammer, two-finger, and thumb lead styles. It also touches on traditional Southern Appalachian mountain music, early minstrel show techniques, and broader themes of history, anthropology, folklore, and musicology. The content explores diverse musical influences including breakdowns, blues, waltz pieces, Tin Pan Alley, Afro-Caribbean and West African music, Cajun and zydeco references, and Métis, Creole, Melungeon, and Indigenous North American music traditions. The description lists a vast array of influential banjo players and musicians, emphasizing the roots of American folk and mountain music.

This video explores the early history of the banjo, specifically focusing on the period between 1750 and 1850. It delves into the origins and evolution of this musical instrument during a significant era. The description provides links to the creator's Patreon and Bandcamp pages, suggesting potential access to more content or direct support for the artist.