The Banjo
Folkways

While the banjo has enjoyed popularity in the South for over 100 years, its history in the world is much longer. The banjo actually originated in Africa, and as Folkways host David Holt explains, slowly migrated to the Southern mountains after the Civil War. The Banjo weaves together the history and technique of the instrument that has made its reputation as an icon of the South to introduce some of its most dedicated players. As the banjo has aged, picking and musical styles have evolved with it, but it still stands as one of the South's most popular musical instruments.