Joel Sweeney facts for kids
Joel Walker Sweeney (born in 1810, died October 29, 1860) was an American musician. He was also an early performer in minstrel shows. Joel Sweeney is famous for making the banjo popular. Many people also believe he helped improve the design of the modern five-string banjo.
Contents
The Banjo's Journey
Early Life and Learning
Joel Sweeney grew up on a farm in Appomattox County, Virginia. He said he learned to play the banjo from enslaved Africans in his area. He was the first person known to play the banjo on a stage.
Banjo Innovations: Fact or Legend?
Sweeney is often given credit for two big changes to the banjo. One is using a drum-like body instead of a gourd for the sound. The other is adding the banjo's fifth string. This string is said to have been added between 1831 and 1840. People thought he wanted more musical variety.
However, there is no real proof that Sweeney made these changes. Many stories about him were part of an effort to hide the banjo's true origins. The banjo actually came from African American traditions. The high-pitched fifth string, called the chanterelle, was seen on older banjos. These existed long before Sweeney became famous.
Taking the Stage
Sweeney started performing with the banjo in the early 1830s. He first played for county court meetings in central Virginia. A few years later, he joined a circus. He traveled and performed across Virginia and North Carolina.
By 1839, Sweeney was performing in New York. He played in shows where performers wore makeup to look like other races. His first known stage performance with the banjo was in April 1839. He performed with James Sanford at the Broadway Circus in New York. They did a funny show called "Novel Duetts, Songs, &c". It also included a "Comic Morris Dance."
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Making the Banjo Popular
In early America, the banjo was often seen as an instrument for "lower classes." But by 1841, Sweeney was changing this idea. He helped make the banjo popular with the middle class. His ads said he played with "scientific touches of perfection." Another ad said, "Only those who have heard Sweeny know what music there is in a banjo." For several years, other banjo players were compared to him.
Touring Europe
Sweeney became very successful. By early 1843, he went on a tour of Europe. He performed in cities like London and Edinburgh. In July 1843, Sweeney played music during breaks at the Adelphi Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland. There, he met Frank Brower, who played the bones. Brower joined Sweeney's act. They toured together, performing in Birmingham and Leicester.
Later, Dick Pelham joined Sweeney and Brower. The three decided to restart the Virginia Minstrels group. They found Dan Emmett and convinced him to join. Sweeney became the leader of the group. The new Virginia Minstrels performed in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Glasgow. They played during show breaks and in full minstrel shows.
The Sweeney Family's Musical Legacy
Joel Sweeney had two younger brothers, Sampson ("Sam") and Richard ("Dick"). His sister Missouri was also a talented musician. She played the banjo and fiddle. In 1845, Joel, Sam, and Dick formed their own minstrel group called "Old Joe's Minstrels."
Joel Sweeney died in Appomattox on October 29, 1860. His brother Dick also died in 1860.
Sam Sweeney's War Service
In 1862, during the American Civil War, Sam Sweeney joined the Confederate States Army. He served in the 2nd Virginia Cavalry.
Sam Sweeney's banjo playing caught the attention of General J.E.B. Stuart. Stuart liked Sam's music so much that he added Sam to his personal staff. Sam Sweeney's most famous song was "Jine the Cavalry." Sam Sweeney died on January 13, 1864. He was buried in Graham Cemetery in Orange, Virginia.
