Old Zip Coon

78RPM Columbia record. Violin solo by Don Richardson with piano accompaniment. This song used the tune of Turkey in the Straw, and was first performed in 1829. It was a popular minstrel show tune. The wear on this record shows that it was well liked.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fiddle
• 78RPM
• Don
• Richardson

[Istory19]

one should know that the parody in minstrel shows was often savage.

[DavidN23Skidoo]

@Istory19 Today's entertainment and news media is savage, too, and they get away with it so long as they pick on the popular targets of the day. It's never going to change, but if you understand what is going on you can avoid being part of it.

[EBanonymous]

This is as racist and repugnant as any German song. For history or education ok, but...

Minstrel had a message and it said: blacks are "sambos" or "zip coons". The "sambos" image was a lazy yet happy to serve slave; the "zip coon" was a freed black who reverted back to "savagery", destroyed society & targated white women. Hence, the message was slavery was needed.

"Racism In America. Who kept it Alive?" on youtube discusses this. Do ya'll listen to old Nazi songs too? & those ice ream tucks?

[DavidN23Skidoo]

@EBanonymous Minstrel shows had run their couse a century ago....but racism, hatred, political injustices and mischief go on, targeting the easy or popular targets of the day. History is a good teacher if you study it well. Take your anger and indignation and put them to good use fighting for rights in today's world. You will probably be targeted, too, but have courage and fight the good fight!

[ottlakerambler]

Hey, I just learned something about Turkey in the Straw with this one. Thanks!

[DavidN23Skidoo]

You are welcome! I hope you are able to stay warm in the frozen north this winter. Happy New Year!

[honestbutugly]

to add, is chicken reel or turkey in the straw also racist ?, all 3 sound the same to me

[honestbutugly]

I didnt get the racest message in this song.the only thing that was racist was the title of the song.If you people really studdied history,then you would know that white slave owners took their talented blacks to conventions for contests, and is propbally where this song originated, thus gave it its title.

[nicodagger]

@EBanonymous Yes, very sad that I was filled with joy as a kid upon hearing this melody, never realizing the racist roots.

[jim112able]

@doubleghod It isn't 'Nazi' to acknowledge the fact that the Minstrels created stereotypes which have had a long lasting negative effect on white america's attitudes towards African Americans which continues to disadvantage this group to this day.These songs should not be banned but neither should they be celebrated as culturally valuable .

[beeteep60]

@EBanonymous

boo hoo stop your bitchin' & cryin'

[wurlitzer1400]

y'all need to look up the real definition of "racism". This is not "racism". It is entertainment at no one's expense.

[wurlitzer1400]

y'all need to look up the real definition of "racism".

[Istory19]

White performers would blacken their faces with burnt cork or greasepaint, dress in outlandish costumes, and then perform songs and skits that mocked African Americans. Some of the most famous songs in American history--Dixie, Camptown Races, Oh Sussanah, My Old Kentucky Home--began as minstrel songs.