MINSTREL/TRAVELING SHOWS

MINSTREL/TRAVELING SHOWS (c. 1830–1950s) Classic minstrel shows—in which white entertainers performed in blackface—are a rich source of country-music traditions, including musical instruments (BANJO, FIDDLE), humor (the classic Interlocutor/Mr. Bones dialogues), skits, and songs. Although often criticized as degrading to blacks (for good reason), the shows were tremendously popular, and eventually embraced black entertainers as well as white. They served as models for touring and tent shows…