Podcast 389: Kristina R. Gaddy, Author of 'Well of Souls'

Author Kristina R. Gaddy joins us this week to talk about her new
book, 'Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History.'


This is unlike any instrument history book you've ever read...
and we can't recommend it enough.

Though it's widely known that the banjo was brought to the
Americas via enslaved Black people, there's so much we still
don't know about this instrument's earliest period. Through
journal entries, books, art, surviving instruments, and some
amazing detective work, Gaddy reveals that the banjo wasn't just
a musical instrument for slaves... it was also a deeply important
spiritual tool.

During our chat, we ask Gaddy about the making of the book, the
unlikely places she found her evidence, and the construction of
those earliest instruments. We also talk about the banjo's
growing popularity with a new generation of Black
musicians.

More on the book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803


More on Kristina R. Gaddy (plus some cool bonus photos of early
banjos): www.kristinagaddy.com/wellofsouls


Pete Ross (Gaddy's partner / old-time banjo maker):
https://www.banjopete.com

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