The banjo has been called by many names over its history, but they all refer to the same sound—strings humming over skin—that has eased souls and electrified crowds for centuries. “The Banjo: America’s African Instrument” invites us to hear that sound afresh in a biography of one of America’s iconic folk instruments. Attuned to a rich heritage spanning continents and cultures, Laurent Dubois traces the banjo from humble origins, revealing how it became one of the great stars of American musical life.
Learn more: Watch the video and read Duke Professor Takes an Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the History of a Musical Instrument.
