Negro Folk Music in the USA
Contents
This blog explores the history and origins of Negro folk music in the United States. We’ll discuss the various genres and styles that have emerged from this musical tradition, and how they’ve been shaped by the cultural experiences of black Americans.
Introduction
The evolution of Negro folk music in the United States is a subject of major importance in the study of American music as a whole. The Negroes in America were forcibly brought here from Africa to work as slaves on the plantations belonging to the white colonists. They were allowed to keep their native drums, and with these they developed a complex drumming technique which became an integral part of their music. The whites, on the other hand, came from Europe where folk music was primarily vocal. Consequently, the Negroes had a greater influence on the development of American folk music than did the whites.
The earliestNegro folk music in the United States was quite simple, consisting primarily of work songs and spirituals. Work songs were sung while performing such tasks as chopping wood or hoeing cotton, and they served to relieve the tedium of these tasks. Spirituals were religious songs which were often sung in mourning or during periods of intense religious experience. As time went on, however, these simple songs began to change. New elements were added, such as blues and jazz, and the result was a new type of Negro folk music which was far more complex than anything that had existed before.
Today, Negro folk music is an important part of American culture, and its influence can be heard in many different types of music. Jazz, for example, would not exist without the contributions of the Negro people. Similarly, rock and roll would not be what it is today without the influence of Negro folk music. In short, the evolution of Negro folk music in the United States has had a profound impact on American music as a whole, and it is an important part of our nation’s heritage.
The Origins of Negro Folk Music
The origins of Negro folk music in the USA are deeply rooted in the history of African Americans. Negro folk music is a musical tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. It is a musical expression of the African American experience.
The African Connection
The African connection to Negro folk music in the USA is significant and long-standing. Much of the music that is now considered Negro folk music has its roots in African musical traditions. For example, the blues is derived from African work songs, and the banjo is thought to have originated in West Africa.
Negro folk music often includes elements of both European and African musical traditions. This can be seen in the use of instruments such as the banjo and in the call-and-response singing style that is common in many Negro folk songs.
The African influence on Negro folk music is evident in many of the musical genres that are now considered distinctly American, such as jazz, rock and roll, and rap. The popularity of these genres can be traced back to their roots in African American culture.
The European Connection
It is generally accepted that the Negro folk music of the United States has its roots in the music of Africa. However, there is a strong case to be made for the influence of European music on the development of this unique American genre.
The earliest African Americans were brought to the English colonies in the 1600s, and they were exposed to the music of their captors. This music would have included hymns, ballads and other popular tunes of the day. The African slaves were likely to have incorporated some of these melodies into their own musical traditions.
In addition, many of the early slaves were skilled musicians who had played instruments in their homeland. They brought these skills with them to America and taught others what they knew. This transfer of musical knowledge from Africa to America continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
As more and more European Americans migrated to America, they brought their own musical traditions with them. These new immigrants tended to settle in different parts of the country from the African Americans, so there was not a great deal of interaction between the two groups. However, there was some mixing of musical styles, and this helped to create the unique sound of Negro folk music.
The Development of Negro Folk Music
The Negro folk music of the United States is the music of the black American people. It is a music which has developed slowly and steadily throughout the years, and which is still developing. The Negro folk music is the expression of the life of the black American people, and it is the music of their struggle.
The Rise of the Spirituals
The spirituals are a body of religious songs created by African Americans during the period of slavery. The spirituals were originally oral traditions, passed down from generation to generation, but eventually some of them were committed to writing and published. The spirituals typically feature call-and-response singing, and they are often about topics such as hope, freedom, and justice.
The spirituals played an important role in the development of Negro folk music in the USA. They helped to shape the musical traditions of both the African American church and the blues. Many of the spirituals were later adapted into gospel songs, and some Blues singers began using elements of the spirituals in their music.
The Birth of the Blues
The blues is a music genre that was created by African Americans in the early twentieth century. It is a musical form that combines elements of both African and European musical traditions. The blues has its roots in the field hollers, work songs, and spirituals of the African American slaves. These songs were sung to communicate messages, to express emotions, or just to pass the time while working. The blues emerged as a distinct genre in the early 1900s, when African American musicians began performing in bars and clubs in the South. They combined elements of their traditional music with the rhythms and melodies of European music to create a new sound.
The first recorded blues song was “Crazy Blues,” by Mamie Smith and her Jazz Hounds. It was released in 1920 and sold over 75,000 copies in its first month of release. “Crazy Blues” was followed by other popular blues recordings, such as “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller and “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy. These records helped to popularize the blues among both black and white audiences. In the 1930s and 1940s, the blues became even more popular with the rise of performers such as Bessie Smith, Lead Belly, and Big Bill Broonzy. They brought the sound of the blues to a wider audience through their recordings and live performances.
Today, the blues is enjoyed by people all over the world. It has influenced many other genres of music, including rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and country music. The blues continues to be one of America’s most cherished musical traditions
Jazz – The New Negro Sound
Originating in New Orleans in the early 1900s, Jazz was created by African American musicians who were looking for a new sound that would express their unique experience. Jazz quickly gained popularity and spread across the country, becoming one of the most influential genres of music in the 20th century.
Jazz is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, improvisational style, and use of blues and gospel influences. Jazz musicians often expressed their feelings about social injustice and other political issues through their music. As the Civil Rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, many Jazz musicians used their art to speak out against racial oppression.
Today, Jazz is appreciated around the world as a truly American art form. Many modern Jazz musicians continue to experiment with the genre, incorporating elements from other styles of music to create new and exciting sounds.
The Influence of Negro Folk Music
Negro folk music in the USA has had a significant influence in American culture and music. It is a genre that is rich in history and has helped shape the country’s musical identity. From the blues and jazz to rock and roll, Negro folk music has had a profound impact on the development of American music.
On American Music
In the study of American Negro music, two questions naturally present themselves: What is the influence of African music on Negro music in America, and what is the influence of Negro music upon American music? The first question can be readily answered by a comparison of certain features of African and Negro music; but the second question is much more difficult, largely because it involves a consideration of the entire history of American music. It is impossible to say how much the Negro has contributed to this development; but it is certain that his contribution has been both significant and lasting.
It is not my purpose to attempt a discussion of all the elements which go to make up American music; but I shall confine myself to those which seem to me to have been most influenced by the Negro. These may be briefly summed up as follows: rhythm, harmony, and melody. Let us consider each in turn.
Rhythm is undoubtedly the most important element in Negro music. It is also true that rhythm plays a very important part in all types of American music; but it is especially noticeable in jazz and blues, both of which are distinctly Negro genres. The characteristic feature of rhythm in Negro music is its syncopation, or off-beat accentuation. This gives rise to a very lively and vigorous style which is very different from the more even flow of European classical music. Syncopation was unknown in Europe before the advent of jazz, and it has exerted a powerful influence on all subsequent developments in American popular music.
Harmony in Negro music is also quite different from European harmony. The most striking feature here is the frequent use of “blue notes.” These are notes which are sung or played slightly off-pitch, resulting in a “bluesy” sound which is characteristic of much jazz and blues. In addition, chords are often extended beyond their usual length, giving rise to a more “rolling” sound. Again, this was unknown in European classicalmusic before jazz arrived on the scene; but it has since become an integral part of American popular music.
Melody in Negro music often makes use of “call and response” patterns. This means that one voice or instrument will sing or play a phrase, which will then be echoed by another voice or instrument. This gives rise to a very distinctive texture which is unmistakably African in origin. Call and response patterns are also found in many other types of American popular music, such as country and western; but they are particularly associated with the blues.
In conclusion, it can be seen that African musical traditions have had a profound impact on the development of American popular music. The most noticeable features include syncopation, blue notes, extended chords, and call and response patterns. All these elements have become firmly established as integral parts Of America’s musical heritage
On American Culture
Over the years, Negro folk music has had a profound influence on American culture. From the blues and gospel to jazz and hip hop, the music of African Americans has shaped the sound of this country.
Today, Negro folk music is as popular as ever. In fact, many of today’s top musicians have been influenced by the sounds of their African American predecessors. If you’re a fan of any type of music, chances are you’ve been touched by the power of Negro folk music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Negro folk music of the United States is a rich and varied tradition that has been an important part of American music for centuries. From the spirituals and work songs of the early days to the blues, gospel, and jazz of more recent times, this music has always had a profound impact on American culture.
