On today's episode, Jennie talks with Renee Lapp Norris, Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College. Renee researches blackface minstrelsy and performance. She defines and challenges the form and its working-class roots in today's conversation. In this episode, we consider the split between performance and composition in the 19th century, and how the fact that Stephen Foster composed rather than performed for the blackface stage might have enhanced his reputation in the 20th century. Of course, Foster the composer was linked through financial and artistic ties to Christy the performer. Renee also introduces us to the Christy song "Happy Are We" and the musical genre of the contrafact.
To learn more about the show and the book, visit our website at: www.StephenFosterAt200.com.