Books on history of classic banjo? And, CD’s of classic banjo music?

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Hi everyone,

Any recommendations on books that include a history of classic banjo?

I am also looking for suggestions on classic banjo CD’s that are available. I just purchased Aaron Jonah Lewis CD. 
I realize that there are many audio files that have been made available for free, but I’d also like to know of any must own CD’s.

Thanks!

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Is the book “America's Instrument: The Banjo in the Ninteenth Century” worth having? It seems to be quite expensive at the moment!

[Edward Bettega]

I think "The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century" is worth having. I found it very informative. Lots of good quality pictures. The primary focus is the refinement in banjo construction and the popularisation of the instrument. Another book I have which is well researched is "The Banjo Entertainers: Roots To Ragtime" by Lowell H. Schreyer. It's on Amazon. It focuses primarily on the performers.  An old book that's available for download as a pdf is "Monarchs Of Minstrelsy" by Edward LeRoy Rice. It's on Archive.org - https://archive.org/details/dazian_3671895_000_images.zip

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Awesome! Thank you very much!

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Where does one go to learn more about the history of classic banjo? Is it mostly gleaned through old newsletters (like BMG) and trade magazines?

[Pär Engstrand]

Just ask Joel Hooks! He knows everything!

But on a serious note. Yes, that's pretty much it, I guess. And playing the music, playing, playing, playing....

No amount of reading would give the insights of first hand knowledge of how it is to actually play the instrument.

[carrie horgan]

Hey Milwaukee - check out the Original Recordings section on this site. 

Here are some other suggestions that should be available (I have them on CD):

Olly Oakley: Banjo Burlesque and Bolero

The Titanic Stringband: Tip of the Iceberg

Black-tie Banjo: At Home/Centennial Souvenir

William J Ball: Just William/More William/Humoresque/Pompadour

Alan Middleton: Only One Pair of Hands

The Belle Epoque Ensemble: Classics

Elias Sibley: The Millennium Classical Banjo Collection

Rob Murch: Still Fretting

The Skirtlifters: A Ragtime Episode (also check out The Old 78s)

Chris Sands and Keith Nichols: Banjo Time Machine

Ray Andrews: Classic English Banjo 

Clive Palmer: Banjoland

Rob Mackillop: Recital: The Art of the Banjo

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Hi Carrie,

Thanks for the list!

I have been checking out the great recordings section here!

[carrie horgan]

No worries, it's great that you've caught the banjo bug!

p,s not about banjo history but about the wider history of black American music: Ragged but Right by Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff 

[Milwaukee Matzen]

Hi Carrie,

I actually own that book (and two others from that series), but I haven’t read them yet as they are packed away in storage.