The Librarian and the Banjo (2013)

The Librarian and The Banjo is a documentary about the life and legacy of Milwaukee-born music librarian who proved that the banjo came from Africa with the slaves. Starting in the 1950s with a forgotten abolitionist's diary Dena Epstein labored 25 years to document that African Americans produced their own music and instruments. Her work, now considered classic, pushed through prejudice endemic in the academy, shattered stereotypes in popular culture, legitimized the study of America's biracial musical roots, and sparked a remarkable revival of black string band music. The documentary takes viewers into tranquil havens of libraries and onto lively stages where banjos twang 300 years after slaves brought the instrument here. The film features Grammy-winning performers The Carolina Chocolate Drops and Bela Fleck.