"That Half-Barbaric Twang" 1891 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

Outside a livery stable in a Nevada mining town, Joel "Banjer Man" Sweeney strums a popular tune on his banjo. Originally brought to America from Africa by slaves, banjos were at first made from gourds. During the antebellum years the banjo was played by minstrel troupes, both black and white. After the Civil War its popularity spread throughout American culture contemporary with the rise of ragtime and the music of composers such as Scott Joplin. The banjo took America by storm during the 1890s, when both men and women played the instrument solo or in large banjo bands.

"On the other hand, the banjo has a
positive musical charm in the country.
Here we can see that it fits the
surroundings. Its half barbaric twang
is in harmony with the unmechanical
melodies of the birds."
-Philadelphia Music & Drama 1891

Figure by Del Prado available from Treefrog Treasures

Color and sepia versions:

 

[thebritfarmer]

That is a great photo Randy, even the barn looks like a model.