According to Paste Magazine, Black Americana is a term that most readily conjures imagery of slave-era memorabilia rather than a subsect of contemporary music. Conversely, “old-timey” is a catchall term that masks a history of blackface minstrelsy and certain appropriations of black vernacular culture. In truth, no matter who’s performing, Americana represents an original culture born of African, Native American, and Scotch-Irish hybridity in the southern parts of the U.S.
As always, black folks have had their hands in helping to create and start plenty of things… add bluegrass to the list.
Today enjoy the sounds of several black bluegrass music bands.
The Ebony Hillbillies
The Woes, Lead singer Osei Essed
Fantastic Negrito
Amthyst Kiah