"Rock it come over" : the folk music of Jamaica ; with special reference to Kumina and the work of Mrs. Imogene "Queenie" Kennedy

Olive Lewin. With Special Reference To Kumina And The Work Of Mrs. Imogene Queenie Kennedy. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 315-322) And Index. Rock It Come Over describes the music and lore of Slavery from the early sixteenth century through emancipation in 1838 to the mid twentieth century. Lewin explores the role of music in the lives of the slaves as a method of communication, as a form of resistance and subversion, as a repository of oral history and beliefs, and, ultimately, as a means of survival. The work is based on decades of research into the music sung and played by the working people of Jamaica. Lewin relates the music to traditions that preserve an African way of life and the beliefs of Kumina queen, Imogene Queenie Kennedy. Rock It Come Over is the most extensive study of Jamaican folk music yet published. It is also an examination of the roots of that music and a record of the folk heritage that is, in spite of many efforts, rapidly retreating before the pressures of life today. This volume describes the music and lore of Jamaica from the early 16th century through emancipation in 1838 to the mid-20th century. Olive Lewin explores the role of music in the lives of slaves and explores the life and beliefs of the Kumina cult queen, Imogene "Queenie" Kennedy. Many factors influenced my pursuit of music as a profession.