- The Hambone is known as the “human instrument of folk”.
- Folk music is always tells a story or has a hidden message for the listener.
- The Djembe is a popular instrument in folk music.
- The washboard is another popular instrument in folk music.
- The Banjo (popular folk instrument) is originally from Gambia.
- Folk music itself originated in the 1600s.
- Hambone is also known as patting Juba.
- Folk music was used to express feelings of joy, frustration, sadness, and the pain of longing for the homeland.
- Folk music was often used as a form of resistance.
- Harriet Tubman and other conductors of the Underground Railroad used folk music as a means of helping the enslaved to escape to freedom.
- “Follow the Drinking Gourd” is an example of a folk song.
- Folk music stems from Negro Spirituals.
- Folk music regained popularity during the Civil Rights Movement.
- There is often an element of call and response in folk music.
- Nina Simone was a self-proclaimed folk singer who unapologetically advocated for the Black community during the 50s-60s.
- Odetta is deemed the “Queen of Folk Music”.
- Lead Belly was another legendary Folk artist.
- Bones are curved pieces of wood that are clapped together in folk music.
- The Banjo was popularized due to the popularity of Minstrel shows, but was reclaimed by Black musicians.
- Percussion and rhythm is at the core of all folk music.
