Research Catalog

Title

Banjo : an illustrated history / Bob Carlin.

Author

Carlin, Bob

Publication

• Milwaukee, WI : Backbeat Books, an imprint of Hal Leonard Corporation, 2016.
• ©2016

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

256 pages : illustrations (chiefly color); 23 x 29 cm

Summary

"The banjo is emblematic of American country music, and it is at the core of other important musical movements, including jazz and ragtime. The instrument has been adopted by many cultures and has been ingrained into many musical traditions, from Mento music in the Caribbean and dance music in Ireland. Virtuosos such as Béla Fleck have played Bach, African music, and Christmas tunes on the five-string banjo, and the instrument has had a resurgence in pop music with such acts a Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers. This book offers the first comprehensive, illustrated history of the banjo in its many forms. It traces the story of the instrument from its roots in West Africa to its birth in the Americas, through its coming of age in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. The book profiles the most important players and spotlights key luthiers and manufacturers. It features 100 “milestone instruments” with in-depth coverage, including model details and beautiful photos. It offers historical context surrounding the banjo through the ages, from its place in Victorian parlors and speakeasies through its role in the folk boom of the 1950s and 1960s to its place in the hands of songwriter John Hartford and comedian Steve Martin. Folk, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock – the banjo has played an important part in all of these genres. Lavishly illustrated, and thoughtfully written by author, broadcaster, and acclaimed banjoist Bob Carlin, this is a must-have for lovers of fretted instruments, aficionados of roots music, and music history buffs."--Hal Leonard website.

Subject

• Banjo > History
• Banjo

Genre/Form

• History
• History.
• Illustrated works

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

From Africa to America -- The banjo "passes" in white America -- The American banjo in foreign lands -- White faces in black tuxedos -- The banjo and all that jazz -- Down home on the farm -- "Can't you hear me callin'?" -- "If I had a hammer" -- Sweethearts of the radio -- The banjo today.

ISBN

• 9781495011245
• 1495011240

LCCN

^^2015047262

OCLC

• 916723997
• SCSB-10184986

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library