Development of Music in the Appalachian Mountains

Close your eyes and imagine a banjo in the hands of its player. Where are they? What are they wearing? I can guess that many of you conjure a rural scene that might include an older white man, a front porch, red suspenders, a rocking chair, and maybe an old hat. When many people consider the history of bluegrass music, and especially of the banjo, similar scenes come to mind. But the banjo, bluegrass music, and many other popular genres of music actually originated in Africa.

As part of the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, from the Special Collections Research Center located in the Belk Library and Information Commons at Appalachian State University, “African American musicians have lived in, contributed to, and influenced Appalachian music commu-

“The reality is that blackness is

nities since the introduction of the banjo and early work songs and chants through modern blues, jazz, gospel, pop, and rock music.”

Much of the music that we consider to be traditional to the Southern Appalachian Mountains has its roots in Africa. Recently, the Eagle’s Nest Foundation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Discussion Group took a little dive into the history of the banjo and the development of bluegrass music in the Appalachian region. Following are a few resources from our discussion. (If you have limited time I suggest watching the two Ted Talks and the interview that Rhiannan Giddens, who is one of the founders of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and co-composed the recent opera “Omar” with Michael Abels, did with David Holt. The Rhiannon Giddens “Tiny Desk Concert” is also lovely.)

essence of this music.” Kafari

The ‘Real’ Origins of the Banjo

-Jack Dappa Blue Pad cast with Tony Thomas

-Carolina Chocolate Drops