Song roots

I'm looking for any sort of information or facts on an old american folk/roots song called 'Down by the Riverside' ('Ain' go'n' to study war no mo') blues origin I believe. I believe it comes from the DIY era of music where there was a lot of homemade instruments and jugs ect. where used. Just looking for any general facts on this song/ era of music and how these songs came about was it through worship, slavery ect? I'm just really intrigued by this sort of history of where music started.

Any sort of information will be nice :)

That's so interesting. I suppose being from america yourself you'll have grown up knowing/hearing about all this. Thanks. I've just read the article as well and that's basically what i was looking for :)

On another but similar note you wouldn't happen to know what clarinet/ key George Lewis plays his instrumental version of the song in? No worries if not just a general wondering as the style and how he plays fascinates me his sound and tone is almost that of an alto sax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkyx853uWUk

By the weirdest coincidence, I actually have that George Lewis record. He's playing in concert key F Major. With the clarinet being a Bb instrument, he's playing in G on the clarinet.