Songster Tradition

from https://www.tumblr.com/search/awesome%20songwriting%20tips

A "songster" is a wandering musician, usually but not always African-American, of the type which first appeared in the late 19th century in the southern United States. Tyehimba Jess has a book a poetry inspired by the songster Huddle William Ledbetter, leadbelly.

The songster tradition began soon after the end of slavery and the Reconstruction era in the United States, when African-American musicians became able to travel and play music for a living. As the guitar became more widely popular, the songsters often accompanied themselves, rather than relying on a band or ensemble.

In the jazz tradition, many vocalists sing “standard” songs and use their voices to make the song unique.   An example is the various interpretations of  “My Favorite Things”.  I posted some videos below for you to compare and analyze. 

Songsters often sang composed songs or traditional ballads, frequently about legendary heroes or characters. Poet and playwright Sonia Sanchez extends the songster tradition in her poems by honoring the work of figures such as  Ella Fitzgerald and Tupac Shakur.

My Favorite Things: Various