African American Man Banjo Real Photo Postcard

The banjo, an instrument with deep roots in West African musical traditions, became a cornerstone of African American folk music and a primary feature of early American popular entertainment. Black musicians were crucial in its development and popularization, from plantations to informal gatherings and eventually professional stages. This performer represents the enduring legacy of Black banjo players who laid foundational elements for genres such as ragtime, blues, and early jazz during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.