The Lost World of African American Cantors 1915–1953

The Lost World of African American Cantors 1915–1953

Author: New Books Network April 28, 2026 Duration: 0:00
Histories of Black-Jewish cultural interaction often focus on how Jews adopted and adapted Black vernacular music—ragtime, jazz, swing, R&B, blues—as performers, promoters, managers, club owners, and record labels. The phenomenon of African American musicians who performed Yiddish and cantorial music in and for the Jewish community in theaters, on record, on radio, and in concert between the World Wars deserves such scholarly inquiry. This talk will honor the memory of now forgotten Black cantors – Mendele der Shvartser Khazn, Reb Dovid Kalistrita, Abraham Ben Benjamin Franklin, Thomas LaRue Jones, and Goldye di Shvartse Khaznte, the first known Black woman cantor. This talk by award winning producer, author, and ethnomusicologist Henry Sapoznik will feature dozens of historic graphics, translations of period Yiddish newspaper previews, ads, and reviews, and the playing of the one known 1923 Yiddish and Hebrew recording of Thomas Jones LaRue. This lecture originally took place on June 15, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Dive into the vibrant and complex world of Black thought, history, and culture with New Books in African American Studies. This podcast, part of the wider New Books Network, functions as a serious but accessible audio library where ideas are explored in depth. Each conversation is a direct line to the latest scholarship, featuring authors in detailed discussion about their recently published books with knowledgeable interviewers. You’ll hear about groundbreaking research that spans centuries and disciplines, from sociology and politics to literature, music, and art, all grounded in the African American experience. The dialogue moves beyond simple summaries, delving into the authors' inspirations, their research processes, and the broader implications of their work for understanding society today. It’s like attending a compelling academic lecture or an insightful conference panel, but from wherever you choose to listen. This channel specifically offers a focused, curated space within the larger network's vast archive, dedicated entirely to these vital conversations. For anyone looking to move past headlines and engage with the substantive ideas shaping contemporary discourse, this podcast provides an invaluable resource. The tone is collegial and engaging, designed to make sophisticated scholarship approachable for students, educators, and lifelong learners alike. Tune in to discover the books and thinkers currently defining the field.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

New Books in African American Studies
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