Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
In case it's not clear, "blackface minstrels" were white performers who put blacking on their faces and performed their interpretation of "negro music". Eg, this is a picture of a performer from the "Black and White Minstrel Show":
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Where I had mentioned above that there was more to the song, I recall it being said that the serenaders of time were white buskers who'd often use burnt cork for the blackface. The change in lyrics was duly for lessening offense and for clarity.