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Interesting Facts About The Banjo You Might Not Know
Aboard the Clotilda and into the big screen, the banjo never stopped writing history with its tones. Banjo music can reflect pride, anticipation, and even comedy.It’s hard to describe the sound of the banjo. It’s not just popping, or a twangy eco. To put it simply, the banjo vibrates energy and resilience. Are you ready to uncover some facts about the banjo that’ll change your perspective?
1. The Banjo is over 400 years old
The earliest references to the banjo date back to the early 1600s.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact location where the banjo was first created but it’s thought to have been invented by African slaves in the Caribbean.
2. The Spelling for “Banjo” Changed Over Time… A lot
The way you write the word “banjo” in the 1840s is a lot different than that of the 1700s.
The banjo derived its name from “Bantu Mbanza” which is another African string instrument.
Over time, Bantu became Bangoe, Banza, Banjar, Bania, Banshaw, and finally banjo.
It’s believed that the banjo went through at least 19 different spelling variations most of which were lost in history.
3. Cats Helped Make the Banjo
It wasn’t just the spelling that changed and the banjo itself morphed its structure and materials.
Originally, the banjo was made from animal (cats or goats) skin and a gourd then the banjo maker would stretch four gut strings over it.
Later, the cat skin was replaced by a wooden drum but today, both the drum and strings are made of metals.
4. The Banjo’s History is Tied to Slavery
Africans who were taken as slaves to America recreated the banjo there.
For a long while, it was a means of entertainment and storytelling but it wasn’t until the 19th century that white Americans started to adopt banjo music.
However, when they first played the banjo, it was more mocking than appreciation.
In fact, early minstrel banjo shows went hand in hand with blackface.
5. Joel Sweeney Was the First White Man to Professionally Play the Banjo
Among the first white Americans to play the banjo was controversial musician Joel Sweeney Walker.
Sweeney was a musician from Virginia who did a lot for developing the banjo and was a prominent performer during his day.
He changed animal skin gourds to resonating wood drums and also added the 5th chanterelle string.#
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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