Videos tagged with Folk Music History

This video delves into the true story behind the folk song 'Stagger Lee,' identifying the historical figure as Lee Shelton, a St. Louis pimp from the late 1800s. It recounts the fatal altercation on Christmas Eve 1895, where Shelton shot Bill Lyons over a stolen Stetson hat. The narrative highlights Shelton's subsequent imprisonment and eventual death, and the song's enduring legacy in American music. Clifton Hicks, an authority in traditional American music and historical storytelling, performs a rendition of the ballad.

This video explores the history and persistence of "hillbilly" stereotypes associated with banjo players. It delves into the origins of these stereotypes, tracing them back to early blackface minstrel shows in the 1830s-1840s. The discussion also covers the English etymology of the terms "hillbilly" and "redneck," and touches upon the cultural "strip-mining" of Southern folk music. The content highlights the nuanced history behind these cultural labels.

This video provides an introduction to the early history of the banjo, specifically focusing on the gourd banjo in colonial America. It explores the instrument's origins and evolution through historical research and references. The content is presented by Clifton Hicks and draws upon scholarly sources such as 'Banjo Roots and Branches' and 'America's Instrument: The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century.' Additional resources and ways to support the creator are provided through links to BanjoHeritage.com, Patreon, Bandcamp, and merchandise.

This video delves into the historical recreation of early gourd banjos, exploring various playing styles including overhand, clawhammer, two-finger, and thumb-lead. It touches upon traditional Southern Appalachian mountain music, minstrel show techniques, and broader historical and anthropological aspects of music. The description also references influential banjo players and related musical traditions from American folk and Afro-Caribbean roots, aiming to provide a comprehensive look at the instrument's evolution and cultural significance.