The use of minstrel songs probably was suggested by the blacking up rather than the other way round. Minstrel songs were used by plough lads in the East Riding in the early 20th century, but the use of disguise in all forms of folk drama and dance are well documented long before the minstrel innovation. If the East Riding is anything to go by the disguise was essential because of some of the tricks they got upto and at various times this form of 'begging' was actually illegal. Blacking up wasn't the only option. Goathland Ploughstots used red as well.

The derivation of 'morris' from 'morisco' or 'moorish' has never been proved and is highly unlikely. The morris as we know it today is largely a product of the 19th century. If you look at earlier pictures of morris dancers you'll see something quite different, something attached to official pageants.