Carole Wade's Soon-to-be-Released Book Explores the Sad Disappearance of the Banjo: 'The Death Throes and Demise of the Banjo'

Ms. Wade's research has revealed that the much-loved banjo is swiftly being hurled aside by today's popular culture much like the dotage of the mandolin. And self-proclaimed "banjo-musicologists" are hurting banjo players and their families by focusing audience attention entirely upon historical banjo figures dead for decades.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWeb) March 8, 2007 -- The beloved banjo has been silenced in today's high volume of "new-century" music: the ever-louder thumping beat of rap, the equally thunderous sound of tejano, country music turned rock, and a legacy of heavy metal. Insidiously, a small handful of wealthy banjo pickers who wine and dine music and theater critics have maneuvered themselves into becoming self-styled banjo spokesmen on public radio programs. Over the air, these affluent men bemoan the passing of banjo players of the 19th and 20th Centuries -- convincing their radio audiences that banjo playing itself died along with minstrel shows in the dustbin of history.

Today's banjo enthusiasts -- professionals and hobbyists alike -- are truly hurt by the changes in musical fashion along with the broadcast commentaries of the self-aggrandizing alleged "protectors" of the banjo players of yesteryear. Who today can possibly believe that the banjo is a 21st Century instrument when its own media-hip spokespersons keep it buried in the past?

More About the Author

Since Carole Wade was a little girl, she has listened to, thought about, and collected materials about banjo players. At age seven, she and her 4-H Club won the Statewide 4-H Championship dancing contest. She and her 4-H Club friends danced perfectly (for children) to the "grand trail eight" and "do-si-do" barn dance calls in homemade period outfits. As an adult, Ms. Wade aggressively began researching the banjo in 1979 while residing in Chicago. Ms. Wade's observations about the banjo deserve to be taken seriously.

For further information, please contact Carole Wade, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 480, Los Angeles, California 90067

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