Black Fiddlers is now available to PBS Stations

​

​

​​

​

Black Fiddlers explores the profound legacy of African Americans who have indelibly shaped the cultural landscape of American folklore. Director Eduardo Montes-Bradley delves into the personal and family stories of violin players of African descent across the United States, uncovering common threads and rich through lines that weave their histories together. Over a period of two years, the film was shot on location in diverse settings, including Harlem, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Ohio.

​

Notable performers such as David Roberts, Earl White, and Rhiannon Giddens share their individual journeys and music, providing a powerful and personal touch. Local historians and academics contribute scholarly perspectives that deepen and enrich the understanding and appreciation of American Folk music and culture. This compelling documentary aims to offer the first comprehensive account of America’s rich musical history as told by Black fiddlers today.

​

Montes-Bradley’s perspective on the history of Black fiddlers in North America is part of his lifelong interest in the cultural traditions of the African diaspora throughout the Americas. His exploration spans from the introduction of the violin by Jesuit missionaries in the missions of Argentina and Paraguay to the origins of Samba and Carnival in the northeastern region of Brazil. "Black Fiddlers" looks beyond the repertoire and music to examine social interactions, particularly during the colonial period and before Emancipation.

​

The film presents the idea that the violin was not merely an instrument of music but also a means of economic and social advancement for the enslaved men and women. In multiple instances, it served as a lifeline for those who escaped captivity, enabling them to survive and even thrive in free states such as Ohio, and beyond in Wisconsin and Canada. One compelling example is Easton H. Jefferson, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, who after gaining his freedom, built a life for himself and his family and established a reputation as a distinguished musician.

​

Black Fiddlers aspires to illuminate these powerful stories, showcasing how the violin has been both a symbol and a tool of resilience, creativity, and cultural continuity for African Americans throughout history. HD | 60 minutes. ​