Nancy Newman

In this engaging discussion, Nancy Newman, a music historian from the University at Albany, delves into the Anti-Rent Movement of the 1840s in Upstate New York. She reveals how tenant farmers used music and poetry to express their resistance against feudal land ownership. Nancy discusses the historical meaning of 'rent,' the legal pressures faced by tenants, and the cultural influences in the movement's lyrics. She highlights the significance of songs as tools for rallying support and shares insights into her collection of period tunes, bringing this rich history to life.