United States History Commons^™

Book Review: That Half-Barbaric Twang: The Banjo In American Popular Culture, William Jolliff

Faculty Publications - Department of English

Excerpt: "These two recent studies demonstrate the growing academic interest in the history and development of the banjo, and both make intriguing-if sometimes difficult- reading for banjo devotees.

In the years just before the Civil War, the banjo was popularly associated with African-American slaves and with their black-faced imitators, professional minstrel show players. But it was also a popular instrument among white amateur musicians-so popular, in fact, that a single banjo tournament in New York City in 1857 drew over 3000 fans to support their neighborhood favorites. Beginning at this point, Karen Linn's That Half-Barbaric Twang studies the pubic perception …

Book Review: Singing Cowboys And Musical Mountaineers, William Jolliff

Faculty Publications - Department of English

Excerpt: "Bill C. Malone, well-known author of Country Music, USA, recently(1993) wrote another book in the field, entitled Singing Cowboys and Musical Mountaineers. Though on a narrower scope, it is equally compelling and insightfut reflecting a rare blend of scholarship, human insight, and a warm, highly readable style."