Summary: In honor of Black History Month, OHR pays tribute to African Americans’ profound contribution to American music. Forged into the roots of blues, jazz, pop, rock, soul, hip-hop, country, old-time and traditional folk, the influence of African American culture on the American musical landscape cannot be overestimated. This week, we’ll present songs from a variety of modern world class African American performers of traditional American music, recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Featured on this special episode are Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton of PBS’ “American Epic,” Amythyst Kiah of Our Native Daughters (recorded live at Oxford American’s South on Main in Little Rock, AR,) Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Dom Flemons, blues and roots music legend Taj Mahal, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters member Leyla McCalla, and Lela Mae Smith of the Jake Leg Stompers. In this week’s guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores “The African American Banjo,” illuminating the African roots of this enduring musical instrument. Aubrey takes us back to the source of the banjo with music and enlightening commentary.
