Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions
$24.95
By Francesca T. Royster
In Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions, author Francesca T. Royster challenges the dominant narratives of country and roots music by centering the voices, experiences, and histories of Black artists in a genre long dominated by white narratives. With a sharp ear and a scholar’s lens, Royster explores the work of artists like Tina Turner, Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June, and Lil Nas X—uncovering how Black musicians have shaped, subverted, and reimagined country and Americana from within.
This book is essential reading for banjo players and Old-Time musicians seeking a fuller understanding of the instrument’s cultural lineage. The banjo’s roots trace back to the musical traditions of the descendants of African slaves—its early form carried through the trauma and resilience of the Black diaspora. Royster’s work is a powerful reminder that these contributions are not a footnote—they are central to the story. By listening to these often-overlooked voices, we gain not just historical clarity, but a more inclusive, dynamic vision for the music we love.
Whether you’re a player, builder, or fan of traditional music, Black Country Music expands the conversation and invites all of us to listen more closely—and more consciously.