Culture
Hubby Jenkins II Gladden House Sessions 2019
By: Liz Penry and Mikayla Schuyler
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Performing solo with his loyal guitar and banjo, Hubby Jenkins joined the Gladden House Sessions for an intimate Friday set. While growing up in Brooklyn, Jenkins immersed himself in genres of music that are intertwined with African American history, such as including ragtime, fiddle and banjo, old-time jazz, and country blues.
Starting as a busker, Jenkins evolved his craft performing on the sidewalks and subway platforms of New York City. As a nomadic musician, he then began taking the road, playing coffee shops, bars, and house parties across America. As Hubby began making a name for himself, he crossed paths with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and played with them from 2010 to 2016, in addition to playing as a member of the Rhiannon Giddens Band. Today he mostly performs solo, sharing his love for old-time American music while incorporating history lessons in his performances.
Jenkins began his performance with Reverend Gary Davis’ “Children of Zion,” followed by a traditional tune, “When the Train Comes Along.” He then played a medley of songs he learned of through listening to The New Lost City Ramblers, “Shady Grove/Buck Creek Girls/Walkin’ Boss.” Jenkins ended his performance with a Blind Mamie Forehand song, “Honey in the Rock.”