John Minton, a scholar and author, dives into the fascinating world of African American folk music through the lens of the WPA ex-slave narratives. He explores how these interviews reveal the cultural richness of enslaved people's lives, detailing various musical forms like work songs, spirituals, and recreational music. Minton discusses the influence of African musical traditions, adaptations of European instruments, and the interplay between minstrelsy and Black music. The podcast offers insights into how music served not just as an art form, but also as a means of expression and resistance.
