Wikipedia has this opening for its entry on the minstrel show, or minstrelsy, "an American form of racist theatrical entertainment developed in the early 19th century. Each show consisted of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music performances that depicted people specifically of African descent. The shows were performed by mostly white people wearing blackface make-up for the purpose of playing the role of black people. There were also some African-American performers and black-only minstrel groups that formed and toured. Minstrel shows caricatured black people as dim-witted, lazy, buffoonish, superstitious, and happy-go-lucky.[1][2]"
As the entry notes, the minstrel show was the first original form of
American theater. The first shows appeared in the northeast in the
1830's, but spread across the country and remained a fixture of American
culture well into the 20th century. Some small tours continued in the
Southeast and the Midwest into the 1930's. Amateur productions
are known to have continued in high schools and local venues until the
1960's. The form had been largely replaced, however, by 1910 as the
less racist vaudeville gained in popularity. I've done a blog post on one minstrel
show, "J.C. Lincoln's Sunny South Minstrels in Alabama in 1836."
Minstrel shows included comedy skits, dances and songs. Minstrelsy's legacy continues to permeate American culture today in many ways. Fast paced gags and puns are one example. Some jokes, such as "Why did the chicken cross the road?" continue to be told.
I recently came across the song below that appeared in minstrel shows
and has an Alabama connection. According to one source, "Cheer Up!
Sam. Sara Bell" was popularized by Christy's Minstrels which formed in
Buffalo, New York, in 1843. The group was so popular its show ran in
New York City in a single venue from March 1847 until July 1854.
You can read the lyrics about "deceitful Sarah Bell" and see a printed
version below. An 1856 version with sheet music can be found here.
CHEER UP! SAM. SARAH BELL
Music published and sold by ROBINSON SON, No. 24 South Fifth Street.
Oh! down in Alabama,
Before I was set free,
I loved a dark eyed yellow girl,
And thought that she loved me;
But she has proved inconstant,
And left me here to tell
The sorrow that my heart feels
For deceitful Sarah Bell.
CHORUS.
Cheer up Sam! now don't let your spirits go down
For there's many a belle,
That we know well,
Is looking for you in the town.
I had not much to give her,
Yet all I had I gave;
But wealth and fortune don't belong
To one that's born a slave.
A white man came with dollars,
She fled with him to dwell,
And broke the vows she made to me,
Oh! perjured Sarah Bell.
Now all day while I'm working,
And hoeing up the corn,
I sigh and wish within myself
I never had been born.
Perhaps she's gay and happy,
Wherever she may dwell,
While my poor heart is breaking
For deceitful Sarah Bell.
Printed and Sold Wholesale at
CARD JOB PRINTING OFFICE,
Philadelphia.
JOHNSON, Song Publisher, No. 7 N. Tenth Street
