Finding Aid to the History of Banjo and Joel Walker Sweeney collection

JONES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
2311 MEMORIAL AVENUE
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24501
(434) 846-0501
"HISTORY OF THE BANJO AND JOEL WALKER SWEENEY"
The collection includes articles by George H. COLLINS (1892– ), a member of
the Fraternity of Five String Banjoists of America, correspondence, newsletters, and
newspaper clippings concerning Joel Walker SWEENEY, inventor of the five–string
banjo.
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Articles by George H. COLLINS
Correspondence (1934–1959) to Vera THOMAS, who wrote article,
"Minstrel of Appomattox" [Holland's, Vol. 53 (Feb. 1934), p. 11.]
Newsletter, "Five–Stringer," 1953–1954; "Fretted Instrument News," 1955
Newspaper clippings, 1955–1969
JOEL WALKER SWEENEY (1810–1860)

Joel Walker SWEENEY, son of John SWEENEY and Tabitha BAIGHS, was
born ca. 1810 in Buckingham County, Virginia. The inventor of the five–string banjo
and known as the "Banjo King," SWEENEY composed many songs based on slave
melodies. He performed with his band throughout the United States and gave a
command performance for Queen Victoria. He died 29 October 1860 in Appomattox
County, Virginia. [Lynchburg News, 13 March 1969, Sect. D, p.6.]

MS1003