Interesting thread, everyone!

I do not know if the ties between “Jump Jim Crow” and “Jump Jim Joe” are melodic or lyrics or both.  i just know that I don’t do it anymore, and in the world of music education it is less and less done.  It definitely resides in the category of Dances With Racist Roots.  For me, it was a beloved dance/singing game, and I did not feel comfortable “just” altering it.  

Instead, I was inspired to write something that would have some ties to folk music….and would have some of the same appeal as JJJ.  I am attaching my creation of "Popcorn Dance", which is loosely based on the tune, Soldiers Joy.   Please use with joy and playfulness!

Regarding the New England Dancing Masters and JJJ, they have renamed their collection (which was originally titled “Jump Jim Joe”), as Rise Sally Rise.  Here is their statement about that, which includes some very interesting links to the history of the song ‘Jump Jim Joe’ and other good links to articles on minstrelsy.  

Additonally, Peter and Mary Alice Amidon have written a singing game titled “Jump in the Valley.”  That is different from their collection  titled Down in the Valley.  I do not know if “Jump in the Valley” is included in any of their publications, but I am sure Peter Amidon would be happy to respond to any questions about this. ….And possibly share their dance with you if you asked.  Website:  https://amidoncommunitymusic.com

Thanks all,
sue


Attachment: Popcorn Dance_2024.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document




Sue Hulsether
New Day Hoedown LLC
www.suehulsether.com
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On Feb 16, 2024, at 4:05 PM, Patricia Campbell <[email protected]> wrote:

I always wondered if it was the lyrics or the tune or both. I tried to research the tune and did not find anything that confirmed it (definitely the lyrics). For awhile I made up my own words to the tune, but I stopped b/c I still wasn't sure...

Patricia








 
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On Fri, Feb 16, 2024 at 10:36 AM Sue C. Hulsether via Contra Callers <[email protected]> wrote:
Peter Amidon and the New England Dancing Master have written and  published a similar singing game— different melody and words (original) called, I believe, “Jump in the Valley.”   I feel like “Jump Jim Joe” is mostly NOT done these days due to it being a direct adaptation of “Jump Jim Crow”.

I myself wrote an original singing/ jumping dance called “The Popcorn Dance.”   Written roughly to the tune of  Soldiers Joy.  It is yet unpublished but I am happy to share it with individuals directly.

Sue Hulsether
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.suehulsether.com
608-632-1267
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> On Feb 15, 2024, at 1:15 PM, Jerome Grisanti via Contra Callers <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> 
> I understand that the childrens' singing game/dance I knew as Jump Jim Joe isn't used as such anymore due to its racist origins.
>
> I'm wondering whether another text and dance has been set to that tune. It was such a short and easy song, very accessible to early primary grades.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jerome
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