Swannanoa Tunnel / Great Grandpa’s Banjo  - Traditional, Pura Fé

Great Grampah's Banjo I named for my Grandmother's grandfather Boyette Lee who played the Banjo during slavery. He and his brothers played at every function in the County. Their father was the plantation owner who grew up inheriting his fathers plantation and slaves. One of the slaves he grew up with was Sarah Lee and the love of his life and together they had 4 son's. The oldest was Boyette Lee who inherited his father's land after slavery was abolished. Boyette married Easter Blackwell who came from the nearby Indian Community. She came from generations of women singers. Easter and Boyette had 7 daughters who sang. Everybody made music. This song is in memory of them. The words imitate the Banjo in this old timey Indian woman's shuffle beat that is danced. I feel my ancestors in my feet and in my heart they carry me through music.