A Tribute to the Banjo
by Doc Ferrara

I believe it is noteworthy to give tribute to the only American musical instrument - the banjo - an instrument almost forgotten that will always remain an important part of American history and heritage.

In the mid-18th century, African slaves brought to America an instrument they called the "bania." It consisted of a hollowed-out piece of log overlaid with stretched sheepskin. Suspended gut strings or ropes were struck to produce a percussion sound for the native rhythmic African dancers. Joe Sweeny, a Mississippi plantation slave owner of Irish descent, took that concept and added the European guitar neck to the bania, creating the first American banjo. The name "banjo" was probably created by combining "bania" with "Joe." Essentially, the banjo fused European and African cultures to become an important part of American culture.

Joe Sweeny became a famous entertainer with his newfound banjo. He introduced it to England and performed before English royalty. He continued to popularize the banjo throughout the south on plantations, mainly along the Mississippi Delta. Around 1840 the banjo started appearing in minstrel shows and became the basic instrument in New Orleans Dixieland jazz bands. It moved from there to the cities in the east, north, and mid-west where it was used in most popular dance bands. Its popularity spread throughout the land east of the Mississippi but also became associated with the Gold Rush in 1849. The banjo eventually became, and remains, a principle instrument in country and western music.

In the mid-thirties, with the introduction of amplification, the banjo gave way to the guitar. It almost disappeared from sight and sound except for certain outstanding banjo entertainers like Eddy Peabody, Perry Bechtel and Harry Reser, who kept the instrument alive during that period. There are many great banjoists in the USA today. Although not as famous, they could easily rival the past masters.

Being a native of West Virginia, I always loved the happy sound of the banjo. Having played other string instruments in my youth, it was a natural for me to learn to play the banjo during my early years in medical practice, especially with help and encouragement from Eddy Peabody, Father Joe Dustin and Don Van Palta.

I believe the banjo is like a voice of American History speaking to new generations. It takes us back in mind and spirit to a time in pre-civil war days in the deep south when it was the banjo that told of human joy, love, and sorrow. It was the banjo that cheered lonely, tireless pioneers with dogged endurance who were constantly challenged by Indians, nature and each other. In early America, the banjo was an instrument that drove away loneliness while providing entertainment and gaiety for singing and dancing.

"Oh Susanna" was sung all over the country, from sea to shining sea. The banjo spoke for people in a way they could not speak for themselves. Today it is a living voice of the present and a living link with America's past.

My album Banjo Favorites, like other recordings by me, are songs so well known to the American public that they are themselves a part of America's musical heritage. I maintain that playing a musical instrument and singing songs of love, happiness, and inspiration adds to longevity, creates positive, happy, and nostalgic emotions; and keeps alive old favorite songs and memories.