Syncopatin' Shuffle

Julian Vincent from Bath University presents a history of the banjo, a much-maligned instrument which enjoyed enormous popularity in bygone days.

From its African roots via the American slave trade, the banjo became the prime instrument of popular entertainment, particularly in Britain, from the minstrel shows featuring blacked-up whites to the drawing rooms of fine young Victorian ladies.

Julian Vincent presents a history of the banjo, a once hugely popular instrument.