Troupe(s): Soloist, Ethiopian Serenaders (1851)



Instrument: violin, banjo, vocals



Info: Despite his moniker, ‘The American Barlow’ was in fact born in the United Kingdom, immigrating to the United States in approximately 1821 at the age of three. Barlow’s father died several years after settling in New York, leaving his twelve year old son in the care of his brother, a wealthy planter. Throughout his youth Barlow displayed considerable musical ability, playing the violin, the banjo, and composing minstrel songs. Following the completion of his education, the young Barlow was invited to join his acquaintance the celebrated banjo player Mr. Sweeney on a trip to England where both men found theatrical engagements as musicians. Following his start in Liverpool he toured successfully throughout England and, upon his arrival in London, secured extended engagements at Cremorne Gardens and The Casino, Adelaide Gallery. In 1848 Bell’s Life in London granted him the distinguished title “Prince of Negro Melodists and Banjoists”.



Although Barlow was noted for composing and publishing his own songs (comic and serious), for building his own instruments (both banjo and violin) and for teaching music lessons, he was perhaps best known for his musical impression of a locomotive engine at work. The following description of that act is excerpted from Theatrical Journal, Nov. 20, 1847:

First, we have the bell ringing, and preparing to start: - then the whistle- then the engine in motion, increasing in speed till it got to a certain pitch, and gradually diminishes till it arrives at its destination. All this is really so admirably managed, that to have a just idea of the effect must be heard to appreciate the ability of accomplishing it.

Alexis Butler