"Jim Along Josey" at Batteaux and Banjos, June 17, 2023
Channel: Barrow Wheary
Date: 05/02/2024

"Jim Along Josey," performed at Batteaux and Banjos, June 17, 2023 at James River State Park. "Jim Along Josey" was known to have been played by Joel Walker Sweeney. Our version includes the high, third part from Elias Howe's 1843 "Musician's Companion." Our earliest documentation of the song appears in 1839, but, like many early minstrel tunes, it may have been originated and been popular among Southern fiddlers and banjos players, white or black, well before that date.

James Pentecost: bones
Mark Weems: banjo
Barrow Wheary: fiddle
Caroline Wheary: fiddle

Batteaux and Banjos is a living history program celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the James River. It is held yearly at James River State Park in Buckingham County, Virginia to coincide with the James River Batteau Festival. Please visit our website https://hbwhea.wixsite.com/batteaux-and-banjos. We'd love to see you on the river!