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Rhiannon Giddens Top 100 Instagram Photos and Posts

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Most liked photo of Rhiannon Giddens with over 83.7K likes is the following photo

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We have around 101 most liked photos of Rhiannon Giddens with the thumbnails listed below. Click on any of them to view the full image along with its caption, like count, and a button to download the photo.

Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Your moment of banjo zen, this fine saturday - fellow North Carolinian Elizabeth Cotten playing Georgie Buck on her banjo. She’s massive in the lineage. Link to the full video stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Every time i pick up my banjo (made by Jim Hartel) I feel a lick or tune wanting to escape into the world. This is one of hundreds that come and go. I play this banjo, a replica of a banjo style from 1858, because it feels deeply cultural and spiritual to me. A time when everyone was playing the banjo - regardless of the negative stereotyping being created around it, this african diasporic instrument was capturing the hearts of a nation. The banjo began in spirit, and when I play it, I feel that, and the generations of my ancestors who played or were touched by this combination of wood, skin, and gut. With deep appreciation to @beyonce and her team who uplifted this sound and sent it ‘round the world.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Folk artist @rhiannongiddens plays banjo on Beyoncé’s new single, “Texas Hold ’Em.” Through her music, Giddens highlights the banjo’s unsung Black history. Last year, she sat down with @anthonymasoncbs for an in-depth interview.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I have decided to cancel my show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 and move it to @theanthemdc. The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously bipartisan institution, but I cannot in good conscience play at The Kennedy Center with the change in programming direction forced on the institution by this new board. I kept quiet until now because I wanted to make a thoughtful and thought-out decision, but also because it took time to get the new gig set up and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for folks to follow us the 8-minute drive down the street to The Anthem! All Kennedy Center tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. The Anthem tickets are now on sale. I am lucky to have found another venue willing to make this change at such a late date.  I will say here that I don’t judge anyone for choosing to go on with their shows; it’s a highly difficult situation for artists right now and everyone has to do what makes the most sense for them in the moment.  Let’s make this a huge celebration for all of us who need joy and inclusion to feel human. We would love to see you! Same day, same time, and just down the street. John F. Kennedy himself said: “If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation falls short of its highest potential. I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.” The Anthem tickets available at the link in bio.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I woke up yesterday morning to new music from @beyonce, featuring none other than my banjo and viola playing throughout. On the heels of her SUPER BOWL commercial album announcement, her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” is the first off her new country-inspired record, #actii. The beginning is a solo riff on my minstrel banjo - and my only hope is that it might lead a few more intrepid folks into the exciting history of the banjo. I used to say many times as soon as Beyonce puts the banjo on a track my job is done. Well, I didn’t expect the banjo to be mine, and I know darn well my job isn’t done, but today is a pretty good day. Listen now, on repeat. 🤠🪕🐝
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - So this morning i got ready to receive an honorary doctorate from Duke University. I have been very plainspoken about my ambivalence around accolades, but I always strive to go where I am led and to acknowledge that somebody, somewhere, wanted to give me an honor (in this instance, someone from community who had advocated for me) and it’s respectful to accept and be in place, and represent. I learned last night that the commencement speaker was Jerry Seinfield and I didnt give it much thought. When i attend these kinds of events I struggle to understand my place in them; feeling more akin to the musicians playing beautifully, (and unfortunately mostly beautifully ignored), during the reception, than the honorees expected to give a speech. I have decided in general to take the experiences as they come and look for the spiritual reason I have been led there. In this instance it was a wonderful connection and conversation with my faculty sponsor, Sophia Enriquez, about the role Mexicans play in the creation of country music, and other deep topics. I look very much forward to furthering our association! So this morning I was sitting on the platform next to Sophia after recieving my hood and as Seinfield was led to the platform I noticed the protest beginning; pretty soon substantial numbers of students with P@lest1n1@n flags stood up and left their seats, and chanting accompanied their departure. I felt distraught and uncertain because clearly there is a bigger story here that I didn’t know - I have been deep in the act of music in place and in tradition this week and just haven’t been aware. And it makes me think about the differing ways we try to make the world a better place and how they can’t be the same for everyone; how the work of resistance, activism, and change is multifaceted and how it’s going to take all of us to make a dent in this crazy mess. (cont’d)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Been working on a big project about early banjo music that has got me excited - been going through a lot of pieces from 1855 and thinking about the cultural soup this music came from - African/Irish/German/English/Indigenous etc etc etc - but particularly interested in where traces of the African diaspora have survived in European notation. This tune I’ve been living with a long time, and the fifth string increasingly becomes the key to where the real rhythm is. Hard Times from Briggs’ Banjo Instructor (1855), as tabbed by Joseph Wiedlich. p.s. the stickers on the finger board are there to help me tighten up my intonation. Never stop working on your technique, folks! Sweatshirt from the Ft. Worth Worth African American Roots Music Festival (https://www.fwaamfest.com/)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - February 7 Titus Kaphar Titus Kaphar is a fantastic visual artist who uses his medium to center African American subjects in historical contexts - so many times I have seen a piece of work and go OMG that’s freaking brilliant, who did that? And it’s him. From a recent Times article: “Mr. Kaphar, 42, has a profound connection to the forgotten, from the slaves owned by the founding fathers to the ubiquity of African-Americans in the criminal justice system, including his own father. The recipient of a recent MacArthur “genius” award, the artist is challenging racism in a body of strong work that has entered the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery, and was recently featured at the National Portrait Gallery. Mr. Kaphar is known for appropriating images from American and European art in order to subvert them, cutting them into his canvases to pull back the velvet curtain of history. He wields materials like tar, wire, gold leaf and nails to unearth the past’s inconvenient truths, and to shine a restorative light on those residing in the shadows.” He’s also bringing the next generation up with him, founding an arts incubator in the center of New Haven, CT. Check out his work - it’s stunning and thought-provoking...and unflinching, too. See below, Behind the Myth of Benevolence, 2014
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Hi My name is Rhiannon. I’ve been working for almost 20 years on the history of American music, mostly through the lens of the banjo and black string band music specifically, but always with a view of the full story and the fully cross-cultural collaboration inherent in our tunes and songs. I think twice before I post, I consider all angles before I state an opinion, I educate myself as much as I can, and I am happy to change my mind given respectful correction from someone with good faith. I am in community with other people who also do this work and we are doing our best to stay rooted in truth, avoid hyperbole, and be gracious and generous in our understanding that everyone is on their own path. I think about this work 24-7. I have an eye on the long view whenever I can, so anything that I post is actually merely part of a long line of posts thinking of differing aspects of how the patterns of history continually show up in the present; how the oppressed turn oppressor on every continent in the world and how humanity has the chance to rise above it all - but only if we realize that our salvation lies in the salvation of all, not some. I am so touched by the numbers of people who post on my page in solidarity and who take me in my entirety - there is so much goodness in the world - it’s just harder to harness than hate in this digital day and age. Folks who do the opposite - I see you and hope you find what you are looking for. I am grateful to be able to do what I do. This is video from a recent show with the Maestro @tajmahalblues, and he’s teaching us a tune he wrote. It’s generational exchange in action, as he was one of the first elders to support the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and that’s my nephew playing bones - three generations of transfer. THIS is what I am fighting for, in particular.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - One of our absolute favorite moments from #NewportFolk2024. ❤️ @rhiannongiddens @joancbaezofficial @tajmahalblues 🎥: @sopa.productions
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Wow this was an amazing thing to see in my daily paper! It was a delight to speak to Janay Kingsberry and she did a wonderful job ❤️ @washingtonpost link in stories
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - My GRAMMY story from 2010. Back in 2010, the Carolina Chocolate Drops (at that time the original trio, myself, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson) were up for a Best Folk Music GRAMMY. It felt like a big deal to us even though I was (and still am) conflicted about the ‘industry’ part of the music industry - but after years of championing homegrown fiddle and banjo music from the Carolinas this felt like the big leagues! We were working class musicians at that time - I remember when Dom used to drive and I would be literally making CDs in the back seat as we went from gig to gig. We were making enough money to live, but barely - and we were young and healthy and lucky. People might not know this, but it’s expensive to go to the GRAMMYs - if you are nominated, you pay for your flight, hotel, hair makeup, dress, food, what have you, yourself. All nominees receive a plus one to the ceremony and after party, and for a lot of non-mainstream folks, win or lose, it’s a moment of a lifetime. I have lots of feels about awards for art, as I’ve mentioned before, but I get the need to celebrate an artform, and a lot of good people are trying to make things better. So we decided to go - I had a nursing toddler by the time the Grammy nomination came, and I brought her and her dad Mike as my plus one. It was a surreal experience - i bought my gown from somewhere, did my own hair and makeup, and we found a holiday inn in the less glitzy part of Los Angeles. We got a car to drop us off at the red carpet interview spot, and I remember clearly that absolutely zero press was interested in us 😂. I liked to say we were old time music spies that day. We filed into the afternoon ceremony, where 99 percent of the categories go and looked nervously in the program for where our category was. It was parked in the middle of the list, so we settled in for a wait. My daughter Aoife would occasionally want to nurse so i went to the restroom the first couple of times and then just gave up and nursed her in the auditorium - it was dark and i had a shawl on for just that purpose, and strapless gowns for the nursing win! (cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Thinking a lot about so many things. Here’s a home iphone video of the airing of the time that @dickthegentleman, @chancemccoymusic, and i played “He’s Gone (aka Gonna Write Me a Letter)” by fellow North Carolina banjo player Ola Belle Reed, and we just killed it on the @opry. It was so fun. The music that was the main well drawn from for commercial country music has always been about cross cultural collaboration. Maybe after the mainstream accepts that banjo came from black folk and that they were co creators, not merely influencers, we can start focusing on the fact that this music was all made by poor people, no matter the color. Also, I didn’t have a G-scale banjo with me that day, so I believe Nashville’s own @gruhnguitars leant me a banjo - you can see the tag on it! A little Minnie Pearl moment. See the full performance at the link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I wrote a little thing for @guardian - I wish I could have included more but there was a 800 word limit - so no mention of the commercial side of Bristol, or the white supremacy-laden early folk movement, or of say, Leslie Riddle and DeFord Bailey - but with help from my banjo brain trust (amazing minds who have done a ton of research on the banjo), I figured out a way to make every word count for the thing I know best - black string band music and the world BEFORE commerical country. And that’s the world you rarely see mentioned when people talk about Black folk in country music. Anyway, check it out. Link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Many of the techniques used for an early style banjo such as the one I hold (1858 Levi Brown replica by Jim Hartel) in large part died out as the ‘stroke’ style favored in these tunes (which itself was a descendent of West African techniques on ancestral lute type instruments) evolved into the ‘frailing’ or ‘clawhammer’ so well known and loved in old time music. In this piece, Butler’s Jig from Frank Converse’s banjo tutor of 1865 (tab’d by Joseph Weidlich), you can see the thumb technique that really contributes to the rolling feel of this tune. Here’s a work in progress.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Throw back to 2018 when I recorded some performance vids for the Met, in the instrument room. I was looking for a video of Etta Baker playing Cripple Creek but I can’t find one yet - so here’s me doing her version of it. She has this wicked third part that I love. link to the full song, Instories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - So a commenter dropped this photo in one of my posts and I love it so much - wish I had a higher res version of it but you get the gist. When my children were babies I took them on the road; their dad was an incredible ally in this, driving and being involved daily in the workings of the Carolina Chocolate Drops; once the eldest was school age and the youngest one was weaned however, it was time for them to settle down and I became the more usual traveling musician sans children. This picture shows a moment where I was on the road with the youngest on my own (we could not afford nannies ever), and the baby sitter for the day that the venue had brought in couldn’t handle my baby. I heard him crying and I just couldn’t take it so I put him on my back and turned down the monitor so I could finish soundchecking. After the pandemic I was one of the lucky ones that had a ton of work; it felt like I was traveling every other day. There was a moment last year, however, where my children, particularly the one on my back there, who is eleven now, let me know in no uncertain terms that I was gone too much. So I listened and took some projects (book, long form composition, etc) that would keep me home more. I love touring but I love my children more. So I am out there with my touring family as much as I can- and when I’m not out there I’m home, cooking, writing, scrubbing the floor, and being here when my kids get home. I’m very fortunate and grateful for the opportunities I have been given; and I do my best to center humanity in my life, always. p.s. and o my he was the most amazing baby chunk ever
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Working on a project that is centered on place at the moment and it’s making me think alot about what’s going on in the world. This is a peaceful water place in North Carolina, and it reminded me how much of North Carolina I am, body and soul. Even though I have chosen to live in another land, NC will always own the majority of my soul, and I am at peace with that. Sitting by the water, listening to the birds, feeling the spirits of generations of folks who have sat right in this spot to enjoy the air, the water, and the wildlife, even in the midst of so much adversity and hard times, connects me in a deep and soulful way to my ancestors and my history. Its a privilege to have the space and the place. Thinking about what is happening right now in G@z@ is heartbreaking on so many levels and has been for months, just as Oct 7 was heartbreaking. Humanity has lost, and is continuing to lose, in this conflict, as thousands of fellow souls have their lives taken from them by empire. As I sit on this land that was once occupied by Native community, and then owned by a Native individual who was then pushed off of it, and then owned by Gaels who themselves had been subjugated in their own homeland, who then themselves participated in subjugation by owning enslaved African people taken from their own homeland, and thinking about the fact that it’s still in private hands today, made me think about the complicated layers that are present in any conflict, and the inability to solve anything that doesn’t center generosity, community, humanity, and a different and older way of looking at the gift of mother earth. I have no answers. I just grieve. photo by @karencoxphotography
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Here’s my take on “Georgia Buck.” I learned this tune from my mentor, the late Joe Thompson, whose old-time banjo tradition still inspires me every day. I’m honored to carry on his legacy through this song. Love, your #banjoauntie
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on - thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 :)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on - thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 :)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - @RhiannonGiddens performs You Louisiana Man!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Loving Day was yesterday - but here’s my post today. Being mixed is a super power - it brings challenges like everything else but it also allows you to see on both sides of the fence, and then knock the fence over, stomp on it, and kick it out of the way. thanks mom and dad! i love you to bits.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - February 10 Tracy Chapman // @tracychapmanonline It figures that one of the years I decide not to go to the GRAMMYS is the year they KILL it. Look, I know when to criticize, and I know when to praise. And it’s praise time for the whoever produced the afternoon ceremony AND the nighttime awards. Not that they care what I think lol but it’s so nice to see a wonderful singer songwriter that we have all admired, who opened the door for so many, to be invited back to the stage to sing one of her many beautiful songs (and in some fierce jeans, to boot - after my own heart!). @allisonrussellmusic, @sistastrings, @thebrandyclark, @brandicarlile, @jonimitchell...the list goes on and on. Much, much love to the folks changing the industry from the inside. And @lukecombs - thanks for covering it and making it all possible. Ok! Here it is- the clip you’ve all seen but I’m gonna post it again because...WHY NOT. It’s beautiful. Watch it again at the link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies - these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies - these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Here’s a bit of @RhiannonGiddens & Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) performing “Hook and Line,” from ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ their upcoming album of 18 favorite North Carolina tunes, due April 18. It’s a traditional tune from their mentor Joe Thompson’s repertoire; the video was filmed at his home in Mebane, NC, by @alexeimejouev. You can watch it now at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens. #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #HookAndLine #JoeThompson #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Congratulations to all the wonderful artists nominated for Grammys, those who weren’t nominated, those who won, and those who have yet to win. I was honored to represent @nonesuchrecords and @redlightmgmt in my catagories, and delight in the fact that the music world will be chattering about some mighty fine people, including my sister in spirit @allisonrussellmusic, twitter friend @jasonisbell, and so many others. Since I first posted a Grammy win story, i thought I’d post a Grammy lose story today :). Some years ago I was nominated for my first solo record Tomorrow is My Turn, and I was there with my team and long time friend and colleague @dirkpowellofficial. I was all dolled up in gown and professional hair and makeup and feeling very very hollow inside. Those who know me know that while I like wearing fun fancy clothes sometimes, the whole red carpet thing drives me nuts because i hate posing for photos, especially for photographers who are waiting for the real celebrities lol. But I’m a team player! I know that industry awards are also helpful for labels, managers, and everybody who is working behind the scenes. I have always been blessed in who I work with and am grateful for all of them on my road, and so I dress up and go smile. But this day for some reason was really hard. Not because I didn’t win, but I guess I was just feeling the disconnect with why I actually play and sing music. I was really feeling the weirdness of being essentially a banjo playing folk singer walking around in a gown and missing my function. Dirk and I had brought our instruments (just in case) and after the daytime ceremony, I was like - Dirk let’s just set up somewhere and jam!!! Dirk was there for it and so we got our fiddle and banjo, sat outside some pizza joint, and played some tunes. God it felt so good! Nobody paid us any mind, no cameras came, no articles are written about the two folks playing old time music at the GRAMMYs, but as we played we noticed this young boy who was selling candy bars wander by. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 14 Black Banjo Renaissance #3 Taj Mahal // @tajmahalblues The one of a kind Taj Mahal has been before his time for a lonnnnnng time - talking about the history of the banjo and exploring and incorporating Caribbean, African and other influences into his blues for years. He’s a scholar of the blues and a mentor for the up-and-coming- he was uncle to the Carolina Chocolate Drops when they started and has remained a guiding star for those of us wanting to stay real, stay true, and stay authentic to the heart of our culture. Play on, Taj! More at the links in stories.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Today marks 18 years since the @chocolatedrops released our debut album Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind. Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind was the first record CCD made - we recorded it in a couple days I think in Chapel Hill many moons ago - right after we’d spent a month doing a bunch of school shows. I remember making CDs in the back of the car until Tim and Denise Duffy saved us and put it out on their label @musicmakerfdn. It has a lot of Joe Thompson’s music on it - here’s a rendition at the Augusta Heritage Center about 402 years ago. 🙂
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 18 Black Banjo Renaissance #7 Leyla McCalla // @leylacello Leyla, a classically trained cellist who is also a beautiful 4-string banjo player and guitarist, has been part of both the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters. Her solo work since has been at once grounded in her Haitian heritage and also far reaching in sound world and artistic creativity. Her first record was a combination of Haitian songs and a spare, beautiful setting of a cycle of Langston Hughes poetry, and her subsequent records have continued to excavate the cultural connections between Haiti, her home of Louisiana, and the larger questions of the role of art within the body politic.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - As @simonebiles said...I love my Black job 🖤
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - My last day as an Artist-In-Residence as part of the Southern Futures project in conjunction with @carolinaperformingarts at @uncchapelhill, in Wilson Library, doing primary source research. The whole team has been absolutely incredible and I will value this collaboration for years to come. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - On the heels of such immense news yesterday... I’m honored to announce the release of my new solo album- You’re the One- releasing on Aug. 18 from @nonesuchrecords!! This is a special one for me, as it is my first of ALL originals! 😱 Produced by the incredible Jack Splash, these songs were written over the last decade and recorded with some of my closest collaborators: Dirk Powell (@dirkpowellofficial), Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic), Jason Sypher (@ibassnote), Sxip Shirey (@sxipshireyofficial), Niwel Tsumbu (@niweltsumbuguitar), and other amazing musicians including a strings section and Miami Horns. This project has a little bit of everything- blues, jazz, Cajun, country, gospel, rock...ultimately, it’s just American music. Pre-order the album now, and listen to my first single, #YouretheOne. Link in bio! 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - My girl is strong, what can I say? 📸 : Dirk Powell
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - It’s HERE! You spend all these years creating this music- living the experiences that inform it, listening to the people who inspire it, meeting the collaborators who perform it-  and then all at once, it’s a living work that’s out in the world. My first original album (at the age of 46) #YouretheOne is out today! I hope you have as much fun listening to it as I did in creating it. Thank you to my team, my co-writers, producer Jack Splash, my bandmates, my label @nonesuchrecords, @redlightmgmt, @shorefire, and all those who made this album possible. Now go listen! https://bit.ly/RGyourethe1 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick Hair by @itskylebritt Makeup by @campbellritchie Styling by @jamiefrankel
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Continuing my (yarn) tour down the west coast…
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 21 Black Banjo Renaissance #10 Well...Me, I guess. It’s my birthday. I guess I will use today’s post to highlight some of the work I’ve done to tell the history of the banjo. I don’t know why this mission has been so obsessive for me - ever since playing with Joe Thompson I have wanted to do my part to tell the true history of America’s music. It’s all I eat, drink and breathe (along with yarn lol) that it gets to be a bit much sometimes! There are so many of us on this journey - and the knowledge being constantly discovered details, redefines, reframes and sometimes rebuts things that have been said before. The art of research is scientific - you constantly have to update your theories based on the discoveries by your colleagues. You cannot often truck in absolutes, especially in the history of poor people, who are rarely talked about in document form as much as the rich. Creativity, humility, generosity, and collaboration are needed every minute of every day; we have to check each other with warmth and joy. I’m so lucky to have found my ever-expanding group of folks who are dedicated to finding as much truth as possible. Because the truth sets us free - free from division, free from objectification, free from assimilation, and free from manipulation. Because in the truth we see how similar we really are. And that has always been humans superpower - to see ourselves in each other. The truth is the music of America is cross cultural - we focus on the Black strands at the moment because they have been suppressed for so long. But the backdrop contains multitudes. (con’t)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Alright!! People be lovin on the Queen B Caro Mio Ben interpolation, cool! - turns out there’s a little history to black female vernacular singers interpreting opera/art song - my first exposure was Nina Simone doing “O Black Swan” (Menotti) in 1963 - but this video right here is one of my favorites. The literal Queen of Everything Aretha Franklin crushing “Nessun Dorma” in the tenor key, partly in Italian (please don’t come for her Italian in the comments. I will come for you lol). ✨Link in stories!✨ To add to the story, this was the 1998 GRAMMYS, and world famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti was scheduled to sing it with orchestra and chorus; when he called in sick, the GRAMMYS turned to Aretha, who had just happened to sing it two days earlier in tribute to Pavarotti. She had no rehearsal with the orchestra, just a tape of the dress rehearsal, and had to sing it in the tenor key, as there was no way to change that at the last minute. She just absolutely showed the kind of artist she was. I remember this so vividly! It just made me so excited, as a baby opera singer, to hear this magnificent woman make it her own. also. Notice that lifted face mask!!!! (sorry, singer lingo) photo credit: Marl Lennihan / @apnews
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - “The idea of place, where we belong, is a constant subject for many of us. We want to know whether it is possible to live on the earth peacefully. Is it possible to sustain life? Can we embrace an ethos of sustainability that is not solely about the appropriate care of the world’s resources, but is also about the creation of meaning - the making of lives that we feel are worth living. Tracy Chapman sings lyrics that give expression to this yearning, repeating, “I wanna wake up and know where I’m going.” Again and again as I travel around I am stunned by how many citizens in our nation feel lost, feel bereft of a sense of direction, feel as though they cannot see where our journey’s lead, that they cannot know where they are going. Many folks feel no sense of place. What they know, what they have, is a sense of crisis, of impending doom. Even the old, the elders, who have lived from decade to decade and beyond, say life is different in this time, “way strange”, that our world today is a world of “too much” - that this too muchness creates a wilderness of spriit, the everyday anguish that shapes the habits of being for those who are lost, wandering, searching. “ - from belonging: a culture of place, by bell hooks. pic by @karencoxphotography, of me and @countrygentlemancooks in the garden of Etta Baker’s house in Morganton, North Carolina.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Managed to come home for a few days of rest and felinecation ❤️
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Holocaust Remembrance day was a few days ago, January 27, I just found out. The podcast episode linked below is an absolutely must-listen and is from one of the best series out there, Criminal. It’s about the Nuremberg trials and that incredible gentleman there, Benjamin B Ferencz. Give it a listen. We cannot forget about any of it. See the link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - As I contemplated the railroad project for @silkroadproject , @pura._fe was one of the artists that immediately came to mind to represent the indigenous voice of the story. I have long loved her work and am so happy that she has now become a full-blown member of the Ensemble. Hers is the final episode of this season of #MyMusicPBS - watch to be stunned by her voice, lap steel playing, songwriting and ancestral connection. Stream the episode for free for four weeks on PBS.org or the @pbs App.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - This ones for all the Sally Annes #alicerandall #grammys2025. — we didnt win the Grammy but we won the night☺️
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Made it to Louisiana and getting ready for a crawfish boil here, stay tuned for details! 🦞 Tomorrow we play New Orleans Jazz Fest - 4:15pm at the Blues Tent!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Happy #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! Did you know that 16 million young people will be voting their first ever presidential election this year? YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Registering to vote is the first step in making sure you’re heard. You can check your voter status or register now with @headcountorg at HeadCount.org/register.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - All right New York! Let’s goooooooo!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Here’s a bit of “Marching Jaybird,” from Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) and my upcoming album, ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ out April 18 on @NonesuchRecords. Revisiting this tune recorded by Etta Baker—one of our musical heroes and a key inspiration for making this new album—was a magical moment for Justin and me. Walking into her house, which is frozen in time, looking just like it did when she was alive, very much reminded us of women in our families; sitting in her living room and recording this piece learned from her playing—with her son listening—was pretty profound. “Marching Jaybird” is out now. You can watch the video, filmed Etta Baker’s home in Morganton, NC, by @alexeimejouev, at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens In addition, we have added new tour dates in July! Artist pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10am local time - see the new dates and sign up to get the code at rhiannongiddens.com/tour. Aaaand check out @biscuitsandbanjosfest today for new artist panelist announcements! #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #MarchingJaybird #EttaBaker #Banjo
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 24 Black Banjo Renaissance #14 Kaia Kater // @kaiakater I first met Kaia some time ago when she was just a kid still learning how to play the banjo - even then she was better than me! Ever since then she has been building her career as a banjoist, singer, and song writer - she is a compelling artist, an impeccable instrumentalist, and poetic soul. Look out for new music from her coming later this spring. Fun fact - she is the second Canadian-Grenadian banjo player on this list! (First one was @allisonrussellmusic) :)
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - What a fabulous time we had on @jimmykimmellive! We got up there and told that Louisiana Man what’s what 😁 Watch the full performance at the link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - These are excerpts from a very different dream speech from MLK, Jr. He says a lot here, July 4, 1965. (10:15): …that through our scientific genius, we have made of this world a neighborhood. Now, through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood, and we must all learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or we will all perish together as fools. Every individual must learn this and every nation must learn this. Every nation must realize its dependence on other nations. (13:13): All I'm saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated. We are tied in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, it affects all indirectly. As long as there is extreme poverty in this world, no one can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant, and millions of people cannot expect to live more than 28 or 30 years, no one can be totally healthy even if he just got a checkup in the finest clinic of the nation. (22:12): Now we must get rid of two false ideas in order to continue to engage in creative protests. One idea is the myth of time. There are those people who argue that time alone will solve this problem. So, they say you must not push things. You must be patient. You must sit down and wait. And sometimes they decorate it in even larger terms. They say cool off for a while, slow up for a while. Time is the only thing that can solve this problem. What we must come to see is that evolution is true in the biological realm. So, Darwin is right at that point. (23:01): But when Herbert Spencer seeks to apply it to the whole of society there is little evidence for it. Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals. And without this hard work, time itself becomes the ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social stagnation, so that we must somehow get rid of this idea that time alone with solve the problem. We must use time. The whole speech has so much in it. Link in bio. PS - his expression is exactly how I feel.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - So it only seems fair to feature my actual banjo nephew on this, the day of his birth. Justin Harrington, aka Demeanor @demxmusic, has been doing the impossible - combining clawhammer banjo, bones, beats and rap while advocating for rap as a folk form. He attended the Black Banjo Gathering at age 5, where he received his first pair of bones from elder Cliff Irvin, and has since soaked up every bit of vibe from his aunt’s folk world and his own hip hop world. He is also a fierce organizer, being an important voice on the Greensboro scene for truth and justice. His groundbreaking rap set at the Newport Folk Festival paved the way for Killer MIke, who is there this year, and he is active in the playback theatre scene in North Carolina; he also tours with Jake Blount (he is featured on that Tiny Desk). He is also a presenter and creator of the Underground Everywhere video series. He is a young man to be proud of, even if we weren’t related. Git it, Demeanor! Pic by @karencoxphotography
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Got something sweet cookin in North Carolina…
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - IFYKYK
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Hey, all you new lovers of Black Girl Banjo Magic… We got you!!! Head on over to Apple Podcasts (link in Stories) to hear this fantastic conversation between two of the most potent and profound voices in the world of reclaiming Black country/roots music.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - @silkroadproject
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Thrilled to launch season 2 of My Music today on PBS!! 🥳 This season, I’m sharing songs and conversation with the wonderful music Silkroad's “American Railroad” project. Episode 1 features pipa master Wu Man talks about the origins of the Silkroad Ensemble. Stream #MyMusicPBS on the PBS App!!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - February 4 Mychal the Librarian // @mychal3ts I stumbled over this young man’s instagram a few months ago and was immediately struck with his enthusiasm, kindness, and love for the library. He has been on a bit of a roller coaster, as I am not the only one to admire his work! But he has handled it all with grace, humility and humanity. I was a straight up library kid for most of my childhood - I remember wandering the shelves of the Greensboro Public Library many, many times...checking out my favorite books, over and over...sitting in a child-sized chair and just diving into a book from the top of my stack while my parent roved the adult side... and the current attack on libraries has been awful to witness. Mychal’s account is a breath of fresh air - honest and loving to all, and reminding people daily why the library is so special. And so important to our communities - from the obvious (books) to the non-obvious (important services some people don’t have access to at home). And you know? I see people commenting that they want to go to HIS library cause he’s there (and i know, he’s so cool) but - seems to me he wants you to support YOUR library! Library love, every day! Library kids, Library adults, Library supporters - let’s save our libraries! Read the @nytimes article on him at the link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Black Banjo Renaissance #20 Hannah Mayree and the Black Banjo Reclamation Project @hannah_mayree @black.banjo.reclamation The banjo spent many years being a center of spirituality for enslaved people of the African diaspora; throughout the years of minstrelsy and erasure, that connection has flowed underground like a unknown river, waiting for us to rediscover it - and we are. Hannah Mayree formed the Black Banjo Reclamation Project to get as many banjos in black hands as possible. In Hannah’s own words (from an interview with Afropop): “It goes back to what I was speaking on. And I am very much still on a journey with this. The banjo is taking me on a journey; it’s taking my local community on a journey. I’m just very excited to see where it takes us. The pain and trauma I was talking about, I think, is the pain of separation. It’s a very common emotion experienced by African-American people, expressed in different ways, when you lose trust in what you see and learn to question everything. I did not personally grow up knowing the banjo has its roots in the Black community. It’s bad enough what has happened all over the world to Black folks from health disparity, food apartheid, to prisons. For me to add “music” on top of that? Music is here to heal us!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Here’s a glimpse of my recent interview on @abcgma3 where I spoke with @kyraphillips to discuss the history of Black artists in country music. Watch the full segment at the link in bio!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Okay folks I’m departing a little from the usual this year. The usual historical posts take me upwards of two hours a day to do, and I have some intense writing deadlines that I have to use that time for - so this year I would love to focus on some contemporary folx who are mixing and matching the arts, history, and activism in creative ways. February 1: Republic of Yarnia @republic_of_yarnia So, a literary historian who specializes in the Middle Ages settles in Ireland and hand dyes yarn with color ways inspired by portraits of Black Europeans in Medieval portraiture. Who quotes Audre Lord…and is herself a woman of color. I mean, come ON!!!!! Check out her page, her instagram, her gorgeous yarn, and her story. I’m hoping we meet someday soon! Link in stories!
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Check out this awesome cover of the @chocolatedrops “Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind” by @tula.b.strong! Fabulous gourd banjo by @menziesinstruments
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Feb 20 Black Banjo Renaissance #9 Allison Russell // @allisonrussellmusic She hardly needs the exposure here but can’t not mention my Our Native Daughters bandmate and spirit sis Alli - she plays a mean banjo (and clarinet too!) and has been bringing light and beauty to the realm of Americana music for years; recently she has turned up the wattage and been advocating for the #RainbowCoalition - we all deserve to be fought for and to stand together against bigotry, racism, and all the negative things bringing this country down. Allison is leading the charge and writing beautiful music to go with it. Fight on, Alli!!! We’re all right there with you.
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - It was 15 years ago today: Carolina Chocolate Drops’ (@ChocolateDrops) album ‘Genuine Negro Jig’ was released. Earning a GRAMMY Award for ‘Best Traditional Folk Album,’ the multi-instrumental trio of @RhiannonGiddens, @DomFlemons, and Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) reclaims and revives banjo-driven string-band music from North Carolina’s Piedmont region. They had met five years prior at the Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, NC, and trained in the Piedmont banjo and fiddle musical tradition under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Thompson. The band reunites for Giddens’ @biscuitsandbanjosfest in Durham this April. Painting by @julesarthur_arts. Design by @bdewilde. #CarolinaChocolateDrops #GenuineNegroJig #RhiannonGiddens #DomFlemons #JustinRobinson #JoeThompson #Banjo #BiscuitsAndBanjosFest2025 #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Rhiannon Giddens Instagram - Community music at @uncchapelhill with @countrygentlemancooks
Rhiannon Giddens - 83.7K Likes - Your moment of banjo zen, this fine saturday - fellow North Carolinian Elizabeth Cotten playing Georgie Buck on her banjo. She’s massive in the lineage. Link to the full video stories!

83.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Your moment of banjo zen, this fine saturday – fellow North Carolinian Elizabeth Cotten playing Georgie Buck on her banjo. She’s massive in the lineage. Link to the full video stories!
Likes : 83721Rhiannon Giddens - 57.8K Likes - Every time i pick up my banjo (made by Jim Hartel) I feel a lick or tune wanting to escape into the world. This is one of hundreds that come and go. I play this banjo, a replica of a banjo style from 1858, because it feels deeply cultural and spiritual to me. A time when everyone was playing the banjo - regardless of the negative stereotyping being created around it, this african diasporic instrument was capturing the hearts of a nation. The banjo began in spirit, and when I play it, I feel that, and the generations of my ancestors who played or were touched by this combination of wood, skin, and gut. With deep appreciation to @beyonce and her team who uplifted this sound and sent it ‘round the world.

57.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Every time i pick up my banjo (made by Jim Hartel) I feel a lick or tune wanting to escape into the world. This is one of hundreds that come and go. I play this banjo, a replica of a banjo style from 1858, because it feels deeply cultural and spiritual to me. A time when everyone was playing the banjo – regardless of the negative stereotyping being created around it, this african diasporic instrument was capturing the hearts of a nation. The banjo began in spirit, and when I play it, I feel that, and the generations of my ancestors who played or were touched by this combination of wood, skin, and gut. With deep appreciation to @beyonce and her team who uplifted this sound and sent it ‘round the world.
Likes : 57797Rhiannon Giddens - 29.8K Likes - Folk artist @rhiannongiddens plays banjo on Beyoncé’s new single, “Texas Hold ’Em.” Through her music, Giddens highlights the banjo’s unsung Black history. Last year, she sat down with @anthonymasoncbs for an in-depth interview.

29.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Folk artist @rhiannongiddens plays banjo on Beyoncé’s new single, “Texas Hold ’Em.” Through her music, Giddens highlights the banjo’s unsung Black history. Last year, she sat down with @anthonymasoncbs for an in-depth interview.
Likes : 29838Rhiannon Giddens - 25.2K Likes - I have decided to cancel my show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 and move it to @theanthemdc. The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously bipartisan institution, but I cannot in good conscience play at The Kennedy Center with the change in programming direction forced on the institution by this new board. I kept quiet until now because I wanted to make a thoughtful and thought-out decision, but also because it took time to get the new gig set up and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for folks to follow us the 8-minute drive down the street to The Anthem! All Kennedy Center tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. The Anthem tickets are now on sale. I am lucky to have found another venue willing to make this change at such a late date.  I will say here that I don’t judge anyone for choosing to go on with their shows; it’s a highly difficult situation for artists right now and everyone has to do what makes the most sense for them in the moment.  Let’s make this a huge celebration for all of us who need joy and inclusion to feel human. We would love to see you! Same day, same time, and just down the street. John F. Kennedy himself said: “If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation falls short of its highest potential. I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.” The Anthem tickets available at the link in bio.

25.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I have decided to cancel my show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 and move it to @theanthemdc. The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously bipartisan institution, but I cannot in good conscience play at The Kennedy Center with the change in programming direction forced on the institution by this new board. I kept quiet until now because I wanted to make a thoughtful and thought-out decision, but also because it took time to get the new gig set up and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for folks to follow us the 8-minute drive down the street to The Anthem! All Kennedy Center tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. The Anthem tickets are now on sale. I am lucky to have found another venue willing to make this change at such a late date.  I will say here that I don’t judge anyone for choosing to go on with their shows; it’s a highly difficult situation for artists right now and everyone has to do what makes the most sense for them in the moment.  Let’s make this a huge celebration for all of us who need joy and inclusion to feel human. We would love to see you! Same day, same time, and just down the street. John F. Kennedy himself said: “If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation falls short of its highest potential. I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.” The Anthem tickets available at the link in bio.
Likes : 25214Rhiannon Giddens - 23.4K Likes - I woke up yesterday morning to new music from @beyonce, featuring none other than my banjo and viola playing throughout. On the heels of her SUPER BOWL commercial album announcement, her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” is the first off her new country-inspired record, #actii. The beginning is a solo riff on my minstrel banjo - and my only hope is that it might lead a few more intrepid folks into the exciting history of the banjo. I used to say many times as soon as Beyonce puts the banjo on a track my job is done. Well, I didn’t expect the banjo to be mine, and I know darn well my job isn’t done, but today is a pretty good day. Listen now, on repeat. 🤠🪕🐝

23.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I woke up yesterday morning to new music from @beyonce, featuring none other than my banjo and viola playing throughout. On the heels of her SUPER BOWL commercial album announcement, her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” is the first off her new country-inspired record, #actii. The beginning is a solo riff on my minstrel banjo – and my only hope is that it might lead a few more intrepid folks into the exciting history of the banjo. I used to say many times as soon as Beyonce puts the banjo on a track my job is done. Well, I didn’t expect the banjo to be mine, and I know darn well my job isn’t done, but today is a pretty good day. Listen now, on repeat. 🤠🪕🐝
Likes : 23389Rhiannon Giddens - 14.2K Likes - So this morning i got ready to receive an honorary doctorate from Duke University. I have been very plainspoken about my ambivalence around accolades, but I always strive to go where I am led and to acknowledge that somebody, somewhere, wanted to give me an honor (in this instance, someone from community who had advocated for me) and it’s respectful to accept and be in place, and represent. I learned last night that the commencement speaker was Jerry Seinfield and I didnt give it much thought. When i attend these kinds of events I struggle to understand my place in them; feeling more akin to the musicians playing beautifully, (and unfortunately mostly beautifully ignored), during the reception, than the honorees expected to give a speech. I have decided in general to take the experiences as they come and look for the spiritual reason I have been led there. In this instance it was a wonderful connection and conversation with my faculty sponsor, Sophia Enriquez, about the role Mexicans play in the creation of country music, and other deep topics. I look very much forward to furthering our association! So this morning I was sitting on the platform next to Sophia after recieving my hood and as Seinfield was led to the platform I noticed the protest beginning; pretty soon substantial numbers of students with P@lest1n1@n flags stood up and left their seats, and chanting accompanied their departure. I felt distraught and uncertain because clearly there is a bigger story here that I didn’t know - I have been deep in the act of music in place and in tradition this week and just haven’t been aware. And it makes me think about the differing ways we try to make the world a better place and how they can’t be the same for everyone; how the work of resistance, activism, and change is multifaceted and how it’s going to take all of us to make a dent in this crazy mess. (cont’d)

14.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : So this morning i got ready to receive an honorary doctorate from Duke University. I have been very plainspoken about my ambivalence around accolades, but I always strive to go where I am led and to acknowledge that somebody, somewhere, wanted to give me an honor (in this instance, someone from community who had advocated for me) and it’s respectful to accept and be in place, and represent. I learned last night that the commencement speaker was Jerry Seinfield and I didnt give it much thought. When i attend these kinds of events I struggle to understand my place in them; feeling more akin to the musicians playing beautifully, (and unfortunately mostly beautifully ignored), during the reception, than the honorees expected to give a speech. I have decided in general to take the experiences as they come and look for the spiritual reason I have been led there. In this instance it was a wonderful connection and conversation with my faculty sponsor, Sophia Enriquez, about the role Mexicans play in the creation of country music, and other deep topics. I look very much forward to furthering our association! So this morning I was sitting on the platform next to Sophia after recieving my hood and as Seinfield was led to the platform I noticed the protest beginning; pretty soon substantial numbers of students with P@lest1n1@n flags stood up and left their seats, and chanting accompanied their departure. I felt distraught and uncertain because clearly there is a bigger story here that I didn’t know – I have been deep in the act of music in place and in tradition this week and just haven’t been aware. And it makes me think about the differing ways we try to make the world a better place and how they can’t be the same for everyone; how the work of resistance, activism, and change is multifaceted and how it’s going to take all of us to make a dent in this crazy mess. (cont’d)
Likes : 14241Rhiannon Giddens - 13.5K Likes - Been working on a big project about early banjo music that has got me excited - been going through a lot of pieces from 1855 and thinking about the cultural soup this music came from - African/Irish/German/English/Indigenous etc etc etc - but particularly interested in where traces of the African diaspora have survived in European notation. This tune I’ve been living with a long time, and the fifth string increasingly becomes the key to where the real rhythm is. Hard Times from Briggs’ Banjo Instructor (1855), as tabbed by Joseph Wiedlich. p.s. the stickers on the finger board are there to help me tighten up my intonation. Never stop working on your technique, folks! Sweatshirt from the Ft. Worth Worth African American Roots Music Festival (https://www.fwaamfest.com/)

13.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Been working on a big project about early banjo music that has got me excited – been going through a lot of pieces from 1855 and thinking about the cultural soup this music came from – African/Irish/German/English/Indigenous etc etc etc – but particularly interested in where traces of the African diaspora have survived in European notation. This tune I’ve been living with a long time, and the fifth string increasingly becomes the key to where the real rhythm is. Hard Times from Briggs’ Banjo Instructor (1855), as tabbed by Joseph Wiedlich. p.s. the stickers on the finger board are there to help me tighten up my intonation. Never stop working on your technique, folks! Sweatshirt from the Ft. Worth Worth African American Roots Music Festival (https://www.fwaamfest.com/)
Likes : 13473Rhiannon Giddens - 12.7K Likes - February 7 Titus Kaphar Titus Kaphar is a fantastic visual artist who uses his medium to center African American subjects in historical contexts - so many times I have seen a piece of work and go OMG that’s freaking brilliant, who did that? And it’s him. From a recent Times article: “Mr. Kaphar, 42, has a profound connection to the forgotten, from the slaves owned by the founding fathers to the ubiquity of African-Americans in the criminal justice system, including his own father. The recipient of a recent MacArthur “genius” award, the artist is challenging racism in a body of strong work that has entered the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery, and was recently featured at the National Portrait Gallery. Mr. Kaphar is known for appropriating images from American and European art in order to subvert them, cutting them into his canvases to pull back the velvet curtain of history. He wields materials like tar, wire, gold leaf and nails to unearth the past’s inconvenient truths, and to shine a restorative light on those residing in the shadows.” He’s also bringing the next generation up with him, founding an arts incubator in the center of New Haven, CT. Check out his work - it’s stunning and thought-provoking...and unflinching, too. See below, Behind the Myth of Benevolence, 2014

12.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : February 7 Titus Kaphar Titus Kaphar is a fantastic visual artist who uses his medium to center African American subjects in historical contexts – so many times I have seen a piece of work and go OMG that’s freaking brilliant, who did that? And it’s him. From a recent Times article: “Mr. Kaphar, 42, has a profound connection to the forgotten, from the slaves owned by the founding fathers to the ubiquity of African-Americans in the criminal justice system, including his own father. The recipient of a recent MacArthur “genius” award, the artist is challenging racism in a body of strong work that has entered the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery, and was recently featured at the National Portrait Gallery. Mr. Kaphar is known for appropriating images from American and European art in order to subvert them, cutting them into his canvases to pull back the velvet curtain of history. He wields materials like tar, wire, gold leaf and nails to unearth the past’s inconvenient truths, and to shine a restorative light on those residing in the shadows.” He’s also bringing the next generation up with him, founding an arts incubator in the center of New Haven, CT. Check out his work – it’s stunning and thought-provoking…and unflinching, too. See below, Behind the Myth of Benevolence, 2014
Likes : 12709Rhiannon Giddens - 12.3K Likes - Hi My name is Rhiannon. I’ve been working for almost 20 years on the history of American music, mostly through the lens of the banjo and black string band music specifically, but always with a view of the full story and the fully cross-cultural collaboration inherent in our tunes and songs. I think twice before I post, I consider all angles before I state an opinion, I educate myself as much as I can, and I am happy to change my mind given respectful correction from someone with good faith. I am in community with other people who also do this work and we are doing our best to stay rooted in truth, avoid hyperbole, and be gracious and generous in our understanding that everyone is on their own path. I think about this work 24-7. I have an eye on the long view whenever I can, so anything that I post is actually merely part of a long line of posts thinking of differing aspects of how the patterns of history continually show up in the present; how the oppressed turn oppressor on every continent in the world and how humanity has the chance to rise above it all - but only if we realize that our salvation lies in the salvation of all, not some. I am so touched by the numbers of people who post on my page in solidarity and who take me in my entirety - there is so much goodness in the world - it’s just harder to harness than hate in this digital day and age. Folks who do the opposite - I see you and hope you find what you are looking for. I am grateful to be able to do what I do. This is video from a recent show with the Maestro @tajmahalblues, and he’s teaching us a tune he wrote. It’s generational exchange in action, as he was one of the first elders to support the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and that’s my nephew playing bones - three generations of transfer. THIS is what I am fighting for, in particular.

12.3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Hi My name is Rhiannon. I’ve been working for almost 20 years on the history of American music, mostly through the lens of the banjo and black string band music specifically, but always with a view of the full story and the fully cross-cultural collaboration inherent in our tunes and songs. I think twice before I post, I consider all angles before I state an opinion, I educate myself as much as I can, and I am happy to change my mind given respectful correction from someone with good faith. I am in community with other people who also do this work and we are doing our best to stay rooted in truth, avoid hyperbole, and be gracious and generous in our understanding that everyone is on their own path. I think about this work 24-7. I have an eye on the long view whenever I can, so anything that I post is actually merely part of a long line of posts thinking of differing aspects of how the patterns of history continually show up in the present; how the oppressed turn oppressor on every continent in the world and how humanity has the chance to rise above it all – but only if we realize that our salvation lies in the salvation of all, not some. I am so touched by the numbers of people who post on my page in solidarity and who take me in my entirety – there is so much goodness in the world – it’s just harder to harness than hate in this digital day and age. Folks who do the opposite – I see you and hope you find what you are looking for. I am grateful to be able to do what I do. This is video from a recent show with the Maestro @tajmahalblues, and he’s teaching us a tune he wrote. It’s generational exchange in action, as he was one of the first elders to support the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and that’s my nephew playing bones – three generations of transfer. THIS is what I am fighting for, in particular.
Likes : 12250Rhiannon Giddens - 10.5K Likes - One of our absolute favorite moments from #NewportFolk2024. ❤️ @rhiannongiddens @joancbaezofficial @tajmahalblues 🎥: @sopa.productions

10.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : One of our absolute favorite moments from #NewportFolk2024. ❤️ @rhiannongiddens @joancbaezofficial @tajmahalblues 🎥: @sopa.productions
Likes : 10528Rhiannon Giddens - 10.5K Likes - Wow this was an amazing thing to see in my daily paper! It was a delight to speak to Janay Kingsberry and she did a wonderful job ❤️ @washingtonpost link in stories

10.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Wow this was an amazing thing to see in my daily paper! It was a delight to speak to Janay Kingsberry and she did a wonderful job ❤️ @washingtonpost link in stories
Likes : 10494Rhiannon Giddens - 10.4K Likes - My GRAMMY story from 2010. Back in 2010, the Carolina Chocolate Drops (at that time the original trio, myself, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson) were up for a Best Folk Music GRAMMY. It felt like a big deal to us even though I was (and still am) conflicted about the ‘industry’ part of the music industry - but after years of championing homegrown fiddle and banjo music from the Carolinas this felt like the big leagues! We were working class musicians at that time - I remember when Dom used to drive and I would be literally making CDs in the back seat as we went from gig to gig. We were making enough money to live, but barely - and we were young and healthy and lucky. People might not know this, but it’s expensive to go to the GRAMMYs - if you are nominated, you pay for your flight, hotel, hair makeup, dress, food, what have you, yourself. All nominees receive a plus one to the ceremony and after party, and for a lot of non-mainstream folks, win or lose, it’s a moment of a lifetime. I have lots of feels about awards for art, as I’ve mentioned before, but I get the need to celebrate an artform, and a lot of good people are trying to make things better. So we decided to go - I had a nursing toddler by the time the Grammy nomination came, and I brought her and her dad Mike as my plus one. It was a surreal experience - i bought my gown from somewhere, did my own hair and makeup, and we found a holiday inn in the less glitzy part of Los Angeles. We got a car to drop us off at the red carpet interview spot, and I remember clearly that absolutely zero press was interested in us 😂. I liked to say we were old time music spies that day. We filed into the afternoon ceremony, where 99 percent of the categories go and looked nervously in the program for where our category was. It was parked in the middle of the list, so we settled in for a wait. My daughter Aoife would occasionally want to nurse so i went to the restroom the first couple of times and then just gave up and nursed her in the auditorium - it was dark and i had a shawl on for just that purpose, and strapless gowns for the nursing win! (cont.)

10.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : My GRAMMY story from 2010. Back in 2010, the Carolina Chocolate Drops (at that time the original trio, myself, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson) were up for a Best Folk Music GRAMMY. It felt like a big deal to us even though I was (and still am) conflicted about the ‘industry’ part of the music industry – but after years of championing homegrown fiddle and banjo music from the Carolinas this felt like the big leagues! We were working class musicians at that time – I remember when Dom used to drive and I would be literally making CDs in the back seat as we went from gig to gig. We were making enough money to live, but barely – and we were young and healthy and lucky. People might not know this, but it’s expensive to go to the GRAMMYs – if you are nominated, you pay for your flight, hotel, hair makeup, dress, food, what have you, yourself. All nominees receive a plus one to the ceremony and after party, and for a lot of non-mainstream folks, win or lose, it’s a moment of a lifetime. I have lots of feels about awards for art, as I’ve mentioned before, but I get the need to celebrate an artform, and a lot of good people are trying to make things better. So we decided to go – I had a nursing toddler by the time the Grammy nomination came, and I brought her and her dad Mike as my plus one. It was a surreal experience – i bought my gown from somewhere, did my own hair and makeup, and we found a holiday inn in the less glitzy part of Los Angeles. We got a car to drop us off at the red carpet interview spot, and I remember clearly that absolutely zero press was interested in us 😂. I liked to say we were old time music spies that day. We filed into the afternoon ceremony, where 99 percent of the categories go and looked nervously in the program for where our category was. It was parked in the middle of the list, so we settled in for a wait. My daughter Aoife would occasionally want to nurse so i went to the restroom the first couple of times and then just gave up and nursed her in the auditorium – it was dark and i had a shawl on for just that purpose, and strapless gowns for the nursing win! (cont.)
Likes : 10382Rhiannon Giddens - 10.2K Likes - Thinking a lot about so many things. Here’s a home iphone video of the airing of the time that @dickthegentleman, @chancemccoymusic, and i played “He’s Gone (aka Gonna Write Me a Letter)” by fellow North Carolina banjo player Ola Belle Reed, and we just killed it on the @opry. It was so fun. The music that was the main well drawn from for commercial country music has always been about cross cultural collaboration. Maybe after the mainstream accepts that banjo came from black folk and that they were co creators, not merely influencers, we can start focusing on the fact that this music was all made by poor people, no matter the color. Also, I didn’t have a G-scale banjo with me that day, so I believe Nashville’s own @gruhnguitars leant me a banjo - you can see the tag on it! A little Minnie Pearl moment. See the full performance at the link in stories!

10.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Thinking a lot about so many things. Here’s a home iphone video of the airing of the time that @dickthegentleman, @chancemccoymusic, and i played “He’s Gone (aka Gonna Write Me a Letter)” by fellow North Carolina banjo player Ola Belle Reed, and we just killed it on the @opry. It was so fun. The music that was the main well drawn from for commercial country music has always been about cross cultural collaboration. Maybe after the mainstream accepts that banjo came from black folk and that they were co creators, not merely influencers, we can start focusing on the fact that this music was all made by poor people, no matter the color. Also, I didn’t have a G-scale banjo with me that day, so I believe Nashville’s own @gruhnguitars leant me a banjo – you can see the tag on it! A little Minnie Pearl moment. See the full performance at the link in stories!
Likes : 10231Rhiannon Giddens - 9K Likes - Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎

9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎
Likes : 8958Rhiannon Giddens - 9K Likes - Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎

9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Well what a blast at @jazzfest New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival!!! Such a fun time in the blues tent, and had an unexpected audience member for some of the set 😎
Likes : 8958Rhiannon Giddens - 8.7K Likes - I wrote a little thing for @guardian - I wish I could have included more but there was a 800 word limit - so no mention of the commercial side of Bristol, or the white supremacy-laden early folk movement, or of say, Leslie Riddle and DeFord Bailey - but with help from my banjo brain trust (amazing minds who have done a ton of research on the banjo), I figured out a way to make every word count for the thing I know best - black string band music and the world BEFORE commerical country. And that’s the world you rarely see mentioned when people talk about Black folk in country music. Anyway, check it out. Link in stories!

8.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I wrote a little thing for @guardian – I wish I could have included more but there was a 800 word limit – so no mention of the commercial side of Bristol, or the white supremacy-laden early folk movement, or of say, Leslie Riddle and DeFord Bailey – but with help from my banjo brain trust (amazing minds who have done a ton of research on the banjo), I figured out a way to make every word count for the thing I know best – black string band music and the world BEFORE commerical country. And that’s the world you rarely see mentioned when people talk about Black folk in country music. Anyway, check it out. Link in stories!
Likes : 8726Rhiannon Giddens - 8.7K Likes - Many of the techniques used for an early style banjo such as the one I hold (1858 Levi Brown replica by Jim Hartel) in large part died out as the ‘stroke’ style favored in these tunes (which itself was a descendent of West African techniques on ancestral lute type instruments) evolved into the ‘frailing’ or ‘clawhammer’ so well known and loved in old time music. In this piece, Butler’s Jig from Frank Converse’s banjo tutor of 1865 (tab’d by Joseph Weidlich), you can see the thumb technique that really contributes to the rolling feel of this tune. Here’s a work in progress.

8.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Many of the techniques used for an early style banjo such as the one I hold (1858 Levi Brown replica by Jim Hartel) in large part died out as the ‘stroke’ style favored in these tunes (which itself was a descendent of West African techniques on ancestral lute type instruments) evolved into the ‘frailing’ or ‘clawhammer’ so well known and loved in old time music. In this piece, Butler’s Jig from Frank Converse’s banjo tutor of 1865 (tab’d by Joseph Weidlich), you can see the thumb technique that really contributes to the rolling feel of this tune. Here’s a work in progress.
Likes : 8697Rhiannon Giddens - 8.4K Likes - Throw back to 2018 when I recorded some performance vids for the Met, in the instrument room. I was looking for a video of Etta Baker playing Cripple Creek but I can’t find one yet - so here’s me doing her version of it. She has this wicked third part that I love. link to the full song, Instories!

8.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Throw back to 2018 when I recorded some performance vids for the Met, in the instrument room. I was looking for a video of Etta Baker playing Cripple Creek but I can’t find one yet – so here’s me doing her version of it. She has this wicked third part that I love. link to the full song, Instories!
Likes : 8398Rhiannon Giddens - 8.2K Likes - So a commenter dropped this photo in one of my posts and I love it so much - wish I had a higher res version of it but you get the gist. When my children were babies I took them on the road; their dad was an incredible ally in this, driving and being involved daily in the workings of the Carolina Chocolate Drops; once the eldest was school age and the youngest one was weaned however, it was time for them to settle down and I became the more usual traveling musician sans children. This picture shows a moment where I was on the road with the youngest on my own (we could not afford nannies ever), and the baby sitter for the day that the venue had brought in couldn’t handle my baby. I heard him crying and I just couldn’t take it so I put him on my back and turned down the monitor so I could finish soundchecking. After the pandemic I was one of the lucky ones that had a ton of work; it felt like I was traveling every other day. There was a moment last year, however, where my children, particularly the one on my back there, who is eleven now, let me know in no uncertain terms that I was gone too much. So I listened and took some projects (book, long form composition, etc) that would keep me home more. I love touring but I love my children more. So I am out there with my touring family as much as I can- and when I’m not out there I’m home, cooking, writing, scrubbing the floor, and being here when my kids get home. I’m very fortunate and grateful for the opportunities I have been given; and I do my best to center humanity in my life, always. p.s. and o my he was the most amazing baby chunk ever

8.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : So a commenter dropped this photo in one of my posts and I love it so much – wish I had a higher res version of it but you get the gist. When my children were babies I took them on the road; their dad was an incredible ally in this, driving and being involved daily in the workings of the Carolina Chocolate Drops; once the eldest was school age and the youngest one was weaned however, it was time for them to settle down and I became the more usual traveling musician sans children. This picture shows a moment where I was on the road with the youngest on my own (we could not afford nannies ever), and the baby sitter for the day that the venue had brought in couldn’t handle my baby. I heard him crying and I just couldn’t take it so I put him on my back and turned down the monitor so I could finish soundchecking. After the pandemic I was one of the lucky ones that had a ton of work; it felt like I was traveling every other day. There was a moment last year, however, where my children, particularly the one on my back there, who is eleven now, let me know in no uncertain terms that I was gone too much. So I listened and took some projects (book, long form composition, etc) that would keep me home more. I love touring but I love my children more. So I am out there with my touring family as much as I can- and when I’m not out there I’m home, cooking, writing, scrubbing the floor, and being here when my kids get home. I’m very fortunate and grateful for the opportunities I have been given; and I do my best to center humanity in my life, always. p.s. and o my he was the most amazing baby chunk ever
Likes : 8179Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 8.1K Likes - I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds... ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.

8.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I will be posting black history/excellence posts again for sure. Just wanted to report back on my little corner of the GRAMMYs, which happened yesterday. I was nominated for Best American Roots Performance, for the recording of “The Ballad of Sally Anne”, a heartbreaking song about a lynching, which I recorded in Ireland with Francesco Turrisi and Ben Rawlins, and was finished by Ebonie Smith, for Fiona Prine’s Oh Boy Records. It was written by Alice Randall, who has been working in Nashville for over 40 years, writing anthems for black women while there weren’t many of us allowed into the establishment to sing them. That was our win; the trophy itself went to someone else and that’s fine by me! There’s room for us all. I took Alice as my date and we had a ball dropping nuggets of knowledge all down the red carpet, with my banjo in tow 🙂 (yes the 1858-replica banjo that graced the album of the year with its deep funky sounds… ) For me, being involved in this deeply cultural music is more than a career, it’s more than an album, it’s more than a single. It’s a mission to show how beautiful Americans can actually be together; it’s proof that we are more alike than we are different, and it’s a study in how we do not need a hyphen; if anything, American history itself needs a hyphen. We are America; America is us. And the groundwork that the folks before us laid, like Linda Martell yes, but also Lil Hardin, and Libba Cotten, and Joe Thompson, and Ray Charles; and folks laying all the groundwork right NOW, like Rissi Palmer, and Dena Ross Jennings, and Angela Wellman, and so many others, educating and welcoming and doing all the active things you do to build real community. It takes time; it takes humility; it takes interest in other people and other people’s success. For me, saying their names, all of them, makes me feel grounded. For me, acknowledging that I would not be here without them, makes me feel stronger. The rising tide lifts all boats.
Likes : 8107Rhiannon Giddens - 7.7K Likes - Working on a project that is centered on place at the moment and it’s making me think alot about what’s going on in the world. This is a peaceful water place in North Carolina, and it reminded me how much of North Carolina I am, body and soul. Even though I have chosen to live in another land, NC will always own the majority of my soul, and I am at peace with that. Sitting by the water, listening to the birds, feeling the spirits of generations of folks who have sat right in this spot to enjoy the air, the water, and the wildlife, even in the midst of so much adversity and hard times, connects me in a deep and soulful way to my ancestors and my history. Its a privilege to have the space and the place. Thinking about what is happening right now in G@z@ is heartbreaking on so many levels and has been for months, just as Oct 7 was heartbreaking. Humanity has lost, and is continuing to lose, in this conflict, as thousands of fellow souls have their lives taken from them by empire. As I sit on this land that was once occupied by Native community, and then owned by a Native individual who was then pushed off of it, and then owned by Gaels who themselves had been subjugated in their own homeland, who then themselves participated in subjugation by owning enslaved African people taken from their own homeland, and thinking about the fact that it’s still in private hands today, made me think about the complicated layers that are present in any conflict, and the inability to solve anything that doesn’t center generosity, community, humanity, and a different and older way of looking at the gift of mother earth. I have no answers. I just grieve. photo by @karencoxphotography

7.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Working on a project that is centered on place at the moment and it’s making me think alot about what’s going on in the world. This is a peaceful water place in North Carolina, and it reminded me how much of North Carolina I am, body and soul. Even though I have chosen to live in another land, NC will always own the majority of my soul, and I am at peace with that. Sitting by the water, listening to the birds, feeling the spirits of generations of folks who have sat right in this spot to enjoy the air, the water, and the wildlife, even in the midst of so much adversity and hard times, connects me in a deep and soulful way to my ancestors and my history. Its a privilege to have the space and the place. Thinking about what is happening right now in G@z@ is heartbreaking on so many levels and has been for months, just as Oct 7 was heartbreaking. Humanity has lost, and is continuing to lose, in this conflict, as thousands of fellow souls have their lives taken from them by empire. As I sit on this land that was once occupied by Native community, and then owned by a Native individual who was then pushed off of it, and then owned by Gaels who themselves had been subjugated in their own homeland, who then themselves participated in subjugation by owning enslaved African people taken from their own homeland, and thinking about the fact that it’s still in private hands today, made me think about the complicated layers that are present in any conflict, and the inability to solve anything that doesn’t center generosity, community, humanity, and a different and older way of looking at the gift of mother earth. I have no answers. I just grieve. photo by @karencoxphotography
Likes : 7706Rhiannon Giddens - 7.7K Likes - Here’s my take on “Georgia Buck.” I learned this tune from my mentor, the late Joe Thompson, whose old-time banjo tradition still inspires me every day. I’m honored to carry on his legacy through this song. Love, your #banjoauntie

7.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Here’s my take on “Georgia Buck.” I learned this tune from my mentor, the late Joe Thompson, whose old-time banjo tradition still inspires me every day. I’m honored to carry on his legacy through this song. Love, your #banjoauntie
Likes : 7695Rhiannon Giddens - 7.1K Likes - I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on - thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 :)

7.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on – thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 🙂
Likes : 7066Rhiannon Giddens - 7.1K Likes - I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on - thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 :)

7.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : I couldn’t have said any of this article any better. It’s a REALLY great breakdown of some of the history that #CowboyCarter rests on – thank you @teenvogue for your scholarship and journalism! Link in stories! p.s. and that’s Dena Ross Jennings, who was Black Banjo Renaissance #21 🙂
Likes : 7066Rhiannon Giddens - 6.9K Likes - @RhiannonGiddens performs You Louisiana Man!

6.9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : @RhiannonGiddens performs You Louisiana Man!
Likes : 6871Rhiannon Giddens - 6.9K Likes - Loving Day was yesterday - but here’s my post today. Being mixed is a super power - it brings challenges like everything else but it also allows you to see on both sides of the fence, and then knock the fence over, stomp on it, and kick it out of the way. thanks mom and dad! i love you to bits.

6.9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Loving Day was yesterday – but here’s my post today. Being mixed is a super power – it brings challenges like everything else but it also allows you to see on both sides of the fence, and then knock the fence over, stomp on it, and kick it out of the way. thanks mom and dad! i love you to bits.
Likes : 6855Rhiannon Giddens - 6.8K Likes - February 10 Tracy Chapman // @tracychapmanonline It figures that one of the years I decide not to go to the GRAMMYS is the year they KILL it. Look, I know when to criticize, and I know when to praise. And it’s praise time for the whoever produced the afternoon ceremony AND the nighttime awards. Not that they care what I think lol but it’s so nice to see a wonderful singer songwriter that we have all admired, who opened the door for so many, to be invited back to the stage to sing one of her many beautiful songs (and in some fierce jeans, to boot - after my own heart!). @allisonrussellmusic, @sistastrings, @thebrandyclark, @brandicarlile, @jonimitchell...the list goes on and on. Much, much love to the folks changing the industry from the inside. And @lukecombs - thanks for covering it and making it all possible. Ok! Here it is- the clip you’ve all seen but I’m gonna post it again because...WHY NOT. It’s beautiful. Watch it again at the link in stories!

6.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : February 10 Tracy Chapman // @tracychapmanonline It figures that one of the years I decide not to go to the GRAMMYS is the year they KILL it. Look, I know when to criticize, and I know when to praise. And it’s praise time for the whoever produced the afternoon ceremony AND the nighttime awards. Not that they care what I think lol but it’s so nice to see a wonderful singer songwriter that we have all admired, who opened the door for so many, to be invited back to the stage to sing one of her many beautiful songs (and in some fierce jeans, to boot – after my own heart!). @allisonrussellmusic, @sistastrings, @thebrandyclark, @brandicarlile, @jonimitchell…the list goes on and on. Much, much love to the folks changing the industry from the inside. And @lukecombs – thanks for covering it and making it all possible. Ok! Here it is- the clip you’ve all seen but I’m gonna post it again because…WHY NOT. It’s beautiful. Watch it again at the link in stories!
Likes : 6816Rhiannon Giddens - 6.5K Likes - Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies - these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]

6.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies – these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]
Likes : 6511Rhiannon Giddens - 6.5K Likes - Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies - these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]

6.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 11: Black Banjo Renaissance Post #1 Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops I’d like to focus this week on what I’m calling the current Black Banjo Rennaisance- historians like Kristina Gaddy putting out beautiful books about early black banjo history, young folks like Jake Blount releasing black banjo music, and in general the profile of the banjo getting a more nuanced view. Taj Mahal, Earl White, Otis Taylor, Etta Baker, Sule Greg Wilson, the Ebony Hillbillies – these are among the folks keeping the legacy of the banjo in black hands alive in the years before 2005, but when the Black Banjo Gathering happened in that year it kickstarted a slowburning but new resurgence in black banjo playing. One of the things that happened there was the meeting of the young people who eventually became the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and their connection to elder Joe Thompson. The original CCD was: me, Justin Robinson, and Dom Flemons. Justin and Dom have both gone on to do many wonderful things highlighting African American contributions in music and foodways, and i’ll feature them later in the week. But it all started with Joe. This from my essay for Oxford American some time ago: “Joe Thompson was the last in his family’s line of community musicians. He learned the fiddle from his father, and his brother learned the banjo from an uncle; as soon as they were old enough, they took over the family band and played for the local square dances—the black and the white. They were part of a dying tradition: musicians from the community playing functional music for social dances, not to make a living but because that’s simply what they did. They were also among the last living links to a vast black string band tradition that used to be spread all over the South and other parts of the U.S. but had slowly disappeared until very few were left. And they were swallowed up by the wider societal notion that fiddle and banjo music was strictly a white preserve. [cont.]
Likes : 6511Rhiannon Giddens - 6.1K Likes - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.

6.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Likes : 6135Rhiannon Giddens - 6.1K Likes - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.

6.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Likes : 6135Rhiannon Giddens - 6.1K Likes - Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.

6.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Crochet, biscuits (some of my highest yet!) and dyed eggs…a happy Easter indeed.
Likes : 6135Rhiannon Giddens - 6K Likes - Here’s a bit of @RhiannonGiddens & Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) performing “Hook and Line,” from ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ their upcoming album of 18 favorite North Carolina tunes, due April 18. It’s a traditional tune from their mentor Joe Thompson’s repertoire; the video was filmed at his home in Mebane, NC, by @alexeimejouev. You can watch it now at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens. #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #HookAndLine #JoeThompson #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Here’s a bit of @RhiannonGiddens & Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) performing “Hook and Line,” from ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ their upcoming album of 18 favorite North Carolina tunes, due April 18. It’s a traditional tune from their mentor Joe Thompson’s repertoire; the video was filmed at his home in Mebane, NC, by @alexeimejouev. You can watch it now at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens. #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #HookAndLine #JoeThompson #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 5951Rhiannon Giddens - 5.7K Likes - It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.

5.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.
Likes : 5733Rhiannon Giddens - 5.7K Likes - It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.

5.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : It’s been twenty-five years since the @CountryMusicHOF put out the incredible boxed set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music”, loaded with wonderfully written context and a mixture of well-known and scarcely heard recordings. We are getting a bit better at talking about the African American co-creation of country music and absorbing the idea of a creolized culture of the South rather than pockets of white and black that only met in violence. It’s not so much of a surprise anymore that there is a common American musical language that lies at the heart of so many different genres. The most beautiful thing to me about the Black country renaissance is that its stars, who are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve, are truly using country music the way that, to me, it was born to be used. Their music reflects and highlights a cultural viewpoint that has been traditionally suppressed, shows the best of the American narrative, and, in the end, tells the important stories of now, for the generations of tomorrow. “From Where I Stand” has returned as an expanded and updated box set (along with a free-to-access online experience). I’m pleased to have contributed liner notes to the new box set and to have some of my songs included. Learn more at the link in my bio.
Likes : 5733Rhiannon Giddens - 5.5K Likes - Congratulations to all the wonderful artists nominated for Grammys, those who weren’t nominated, those who won, and those who have yet to win. I was honored to represent @nonesuchrecords and @redlightmgmt in my catagories, and delight in the fact that the music world will be chattering about some mighty fine people, including my sister in spirit @allisonrussellmusic, twitter friend @jasonisbell, and so many others. Since I first posted a Grammy win story, i thought I’d post a Grammy lose story today :). Some years ago I was nominated for my first solo record Tomorrow is My Turn, and I was there with my team and long time friend and colleague @dirkpowellofficial. I was all dolled up in gown and professional hair and makeup and feeling very very hollow inside. Those who know me know that while I like wearing fun fancy clothes sometimes, the whole red carpet thing drives me nuts because i hate posing for photos, especially for photographers who are waiting for the real celebrities lol. But I’m a team player! I know that industry awards are also helpful for labels, managers, and everybody who is working behind the scenes. I have always been blessed in who I work with and am grateful for all of them on my road, and so I dress up and go smile. But this day for some reason was really hard. Not because I didn’t win, but I guess I was just feeling the disconnect with why I actually play and sing music. I was really feeling the weirdness of being essentially a banjo playing folk singer walking around in a gown and missing my function. Dirk and I had brought our instruments (just in case) and after the daytime ceremony, I was like - Dirk let’s just set up somewhere and jam!!! Dirk was there for it and so we got our fiddle and banjo, sat outside some pizza joint, and played some tunes. God it felt so good! Nobody paid us any mind, no cameras came, no articles are written about the two folks playing old time music at the GRAMMYs, but as we played we noticed this young boy who was selling candy bars wander by. (Cont.)

5.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Congratulations to all the wonderful artists nominated for Grammys, those who weren’t nominated, those who won, and those who have yet to win. I was honored to represent @nonesuchrecords and @redlightmgmt in my catagories, and delight in the fact that the music world will be chattering about some mighty fine people, including my sister in spirit @allisonrussellmusic, twitter friend @jasonisbell, and so many others. Since I first posted a Grammy win story, i thought I’d post a Grammy lose story today :). Some years ago I was nominated for my first solo record Tomorrow is My Turn, and I was there with my team and long time friend and colleague @dirkpowellofficial. I was all dolled up in gown and professional hair and makeup and feeling very very hollow inside. Those who know me know that while I like wearing fun fancy clothes sometimes, the whole red carpet thing drives me nuts because i hate posing for photos, especially for photographers who are waiting for the real celebrities lol. But I’m a team player! I know that industry awards are also helpful for labels, managers, and everybody who is working behind the scenes. I have always been blessed in who I work with and am grateful for all of them on my road, and so I dress up and go smile. But this day for some reason was really hard. Not because I didn’t win, but I guess I was just feeling the disconnect with why I actually play and sing music. I was really feeling the weirdness of being essentially a banjo playing folk singer walking around in a gown and missing my function. Dirk and I had brought our instruments (just in case) and after the daytime ceremony, I was like – Dirk let’s just set up somewhere and jam!!! Dirk was there for it and so we got our fiddle and banjo, sat outside some pizza joint, and played some tunes. God it felt so good! Nobody paid us any mind, no cameras came, no articles are written about the two folks playing old time music at the GRAMMYs, but as we played we noticed this young boy who was selling candy bars wander by. (Cont.)
Likes : 5528Rhiannon Giddens - 5.4K Likes - Feb 14 Black Banjo Renaissance #3 Taj Mahal // @tajmahalblues The one of a kind Taj Mahal has been before his time for a lonnnnnng time - talking about the history of the banjo and exploring and incorporating Caribbean, African and other influences into his blues for years. He’s a scholar of the blues and a mentor for the up-and-coming- he was uncle to the Carolina Chocolate Drops when they started and has remained a guiding star for those of us wanting to stay real, stay true, and stay authentic to the heart of our culture. Play on, Taj! More at the links in stories.

5.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 14 Black Banjo Renaissance #3 Taj Mahal // @tajmahalblues The one of a kind Taj Mahal has been before his time for a lonnnnnng time – talking about the history of the banjo and exploring and incorporating Caribbean, African and other influences into his blues for years. He’s a scholar of the blues and a mentor for the up-and-coming- he was uncle to the Carolina Chocolate Drops when they started and has remained a guiding star for those of us wanting to stay real, stay true, and stay authentic to the heart of our culture. Play on, Taj! More at the links in stories.
Likes : 5401Rhiannon Giddens - 5.4K Likes - Today marks 18 years since the @chocolatedrops released our debut album Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind. Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind was the first record CCD made - we recorded it in a couple days I think in Chapel Hill many moons ago - right after we’d spent a month doing a bunch of school shows. I remember making CDs in the back of the car until Tim and Denise Duffy saved us and put it out on their label @musicmakerfdn. It has a lot of Joe Thompson’s music on it - here’s a rendition at the Augusta Heritage Center about 402 years ago. 🙂

5.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Today marks 18 years since the @chocolatedrops released our debut album Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind. Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind was the first record CCD made – we recorded it in a couple days I think in Chapel Hill many moons ago – right after we’d spent a month doing a bunch of school shows. I remember making CDs in the back of the car until Tim and Denise Duffy saved us and put it out on their label @musicmakerfdn. It has a lot of Joe Thompson’s music on it – here’s a rendition at the Augusta Heritage Center about 402 years ago. 🙂
Likes : 5399Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt
Likes : 5242Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : When Justin, Dom and I started going down to play with Joe Thompson we had no idea what was starting- but every year that passes I’m more and more grateful to have been part of an apprenticeship that connects me to generations of music makers from my community. It wasn’t just the tunes we learned from Joe, it was his stories, his vibe, and the way he related to this music. Now we feel it’s important to create moments where we sit and play his tunes and tell our stories of playing with him- it’s not about money, it’s not about the exact notes, it’s about passing on what we learned from him. Justin and I had our very first Joe Jam a couple of days ago on the wall in front of Wilson library on the campus of Chapel Hill as a finish to my residency there, and it will hopefully be the first of many. ❤️❤️❤️ Photo by Megan Frestedt
Likes : 5242Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do – this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world – Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away – Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart – that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Likes : 5194Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do – this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world – Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away – Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart – that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Likes : 5194Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do – this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world – Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away – Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart – that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Likes : 5194Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do – this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world – Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away – Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart – that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Likes : 5194Rhiannon Giddens - 5.2K Likes - Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do - this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world - Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away - Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart - that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)

5.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 16 Black Banjo Renaissance #5 The Banjo Research Community I am merely a reporter and public historian, and I absolutely NEED the academics, researchers, and all around geniuses who have been doing the amazing excavation of the true history of the banjo for years now. I’m gonna lay down my top five favorite sources for the work I do – this community is tight-knit, and they support each other and check each other’s work. It’s beautiful and I’m grateful for them all. The OG: Dena Epstein, with Sinful Tunes and Spirituals: Black Folk Music to the Civil War This book completely shook up the banjo research world – Dena Epstein was a librarian who painstakingly and over the course of years tracked down primary source references to banjo-type instruments in the hands of black people; this was during a time when very few people believed that the banjo had anything to do with Afro-Caribbean culture. We all stand on her shoulders! The NewG Kristina Gaddy, with Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History This recent publication took my breath away – Kristina has found new sources, reframed old ones, and in general talks about what I always new in my heart – that the banjo, far from just a dance instrument, was in fact a spiritual and cultural center for African-diasporic peoples during the time of slavery. Phil Jamison, with Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Phil blew my mind years ago when he told this little black girl dance caller that African Americans have been doing it for years, and in fact most likely invented the iconic square dance calling style we all associate with mountain dance today. The whole book is a treasure. (Cont.)
Likes : 5194Rhiannon Giddens - 5.1K Likes - Feb 18 Black Banjo Renaissance #7 Leyla McCalla // @leylacello Leyla, a classically trained cellist who is also a beautiful 4-string banjo player and guitarist, has been part of both the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters. Her solo work since has been at once grounded in her Haitian heritage and also far reaching in sound world and artistic creativity. Her first record was a combination of Haitian songs and a spare, beautiful setting of a cycle of Langston Hughes poetry, and her subsequent records have continued to excavate the cultural connections between Haiti, her home of Louisiana, and the larger questions of the role of art within the body politic.

5.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 18 Black Banjo Renaissance #7 Leyla McCalla // @leylacello Leyla, a classically trained cellist who is also a beautiful 4-string banjo player and guitarist, has been part of both the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Our Native Daughters. Her solo work since has been at once grounded in her Haitian heritage and also far reaching in sound world and artistic creativity. Her first record was a combination of Haitian songs and a spare, beautiful setting of a cycle of Langston Hughes poetry, and her subsequent records have continued to excavate the cultural connections between Haiti, her home of Louisiana, and the larger questions of the role of art within the body politic.
Likes : 5115Rhiannon Giddens - 5K Likes - As @simonebiles said...I love my Black job 🖤

5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : As @simonebiles said…I love my Black job 🖤
Likes : 4967Rhiannon Giddens - 4.9K Likes - My last day as an Artist-In-Residence as part of the Southern Futures project in conjunction with @carolinaperformingarts at @uncchapelhill, in Wilson Library, doing primary source research. The whole team has been absolutely incredible and I will value this collaboration for years to come. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

4.9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : My last day as an Artist-In-Residence as part of the Southern Futures project in conjunction with @carolinaperformingarts at @uncchapelhill, in Wilson Library, doing primary source research. The whole team has been absolutely incredible and I will value this collaboration for years to come. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Likes : 4889Rhiannon Giddens - 4.7K Likes - On the heels of such immense news yesterday... I’m honored to announce the release of my new solo album- You’re the One- releasing on Aug. 18 from @nonesuchrecords!! This is a special one for me, as it is my first of ALL originals! 😱 Produced by the incredible Jack Splash, these songs were written over the last decade and recorded with some of my closest collaborators: Dirk Powell (@dirkpowellofficial), Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic), Jason Sypher (@ibassnote), Sxip Shirey (@sxipshireyofficial), Niwel Tsumbu (@niweltsumbuguitar), and other amazing musicians including a strings section and Miami Horns. This project has a little bit of everything- blues, jazz, Cajun, country, gospel, rock...ultimately, it’s just American music. Pre-order the album now, and listen to my first single, #YouretheOne. Link in bio! 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick

4.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : On the heels of such immense news yesterday… I’m honored to announce the release of my new solo album- You’re the One- releasing on Aug. 18 from @nonesuchrecords!! This is a special one for me, as it is my first of ALL originals! 😱 Produced by the incredible Jack Splash, these songs were written over the last decade and recorded with some of my closest collaborators: Dirk Powell (@dirkpowellofficial), Francesco Turrisi (@francescoturrisimusic), Jason Sypher (@ibassnote), Sxip Shirey (@sxipshireyofficial), Niwel Tsumbu (@niweltsumbuguitar), and other amazing musicians including a strings section and Miami Horns. This project has a little bit of everything- blues, jazz, Cajun, country, gospel, rock…ultimately, it’s just American music. Pre-order the album now, and listen to my first single, #YouretheOne. Link in bio! 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick
Likes : 4672Rhiannon Giddens - 4.6K Likes - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.

4.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece – and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for – to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; – the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Likes : 4550Rhiannon Giddens - 4.6K Likes - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.

4.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece – and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for – to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; – the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Likes : 4550Rhiannon Giddens - 4.6K Likes - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.

4.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece – and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for – to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; – the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Likes : 4550Rhiannon Giddens - 4.6K Likes - Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece - and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for - to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; - the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.

4.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece – and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for – to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels. From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; – the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine.
Likes : 4550Rhiannon Giddens - 4.5K Likes - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

4.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house – you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time – go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 4511Rhiannon Giddens - 4.5K Likes - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

4.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house – you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time – go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 4511Rhiannon Giddens - 4.5K Likes - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

4.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house – you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time – go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 4511Rhiannon Giddens - 4.5K Likes - Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house - you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time - go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

4.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Last year I spent three days in North Carolina with fellow @chocolatedrops member Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) to record ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, which is now coming out April 18 on Nonesuch Records. We recorded outside at Joe Thompson’s house and Etta Baker’s house – you can hear the wheat in the wind and two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803. With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way. With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes. We’re going on tour this Spring and Summer with a bigger all-acoustic band called Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Fan pre-sale for the tour begins tomorrow at 11am local time – go to rhiannongiddens.com/tour now to receive the pre-sale code. Pre-save/Pre-order ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow’ at the link in bio. Photography by @karencoxphotography #RhiannonGiddens #JustinRobinson #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #CarolinaChocolateDrops #JoeThompson #EttaBaker #Banjo #Fiddle #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 4511Rhiannon Giddens - 4.4K Likes - Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️

4.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️
Likes : 4383Rhiannon Giddens - 4.4K Likes - Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️

4.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Had a lovely time turning 48 ❤️❤️❤️
Likes : 4383Rhiannon Giddens - 4.4K Likes - My girl is strong, what can I say? 📸 : Dirk Powell

4.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : My girl is strong, what can I say? 📸 : Dirk Powell
Likes : 4364Rhiannon Giddens - 4.3K Likes - It’s HERE! You spend all these years creating this music- living the experiences that inform it, listening to the people who inspire it, meeting the collaborators who perform it-  and then all at once, it’s a living work that’s out in the world. My first original album (at the age of 46) #YouretheOne is out today! I hope you have as much fun listening to it as I did in creating it. Thank you to my team, my co-writers, producer Jack Splash, my bandmates, my label @nonesuchrecords, @redlightmgmt, @shorefire, and all those who made this album possible. Now go listen! https://bit.ly/RGyourethe1 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick Hair by @itskylebritt Makeup by @campbellritchie Styling by @jamiefrankel

4.3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : It’s HERE! You spend all these years creating this music- living the experiences that inform it, listening to the people who inspire it, meeting the collaborators who perform it-  and then all at once, it’s a living work that’s out in the world. My first original album (at the age of 46) #YouretheOne is out today! I hope you have as much fun listening to it as I did in creating it. Thank you to my team, my co-writers, producer Jack Splash, my bandmates, my label @nonesuchrecords, @redlightmgmt, @shorefire, and all those who made this album possible. Now go listen! https://bit.ly/RGyourethe1 📸: @ebruyildiz 🎥: @grhartrick Hair by @itskylebritt Makeup by @campbellritchie Styling by @jamiefrankel
Likes : 4331Rhiannon Giddens - 4.2K Likes - Continuing my (yarn) tour down the west coast…

4.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Continuing my (yarn) tour down the west coast…
Likes : 4192Rhiannon Giddens - 4.1K Likes - Feb 21 Black Banjo Renaissance #10 Well...Me, I guess. It’s my birthday. I guess I will use today’s post to highlight some of the work I’ve done to tell the history of the banjo. I don’t know why this mission has been so obsessive for me - ever since playing with Joe Thompson I have wanted to do my part to tell the true history of America’s music. It’s all I eat, drink and breathe (along with yarn lol) that it gets to be a bit much sometimes! There are so many of us on this journey - and the knowledge being constantly discovered details, redefines, reframes and sometimes rebuts things that have been said before. The art of research is scientific - you constantly have to update your theories based on the discoveries by your colleagues. You cannot often truck in absolutes, especially in the history of poor people, who are rarely talked about in document form as much as the rich. Creativity, humility, generosity, and collaboration are needed every minute of every day; we have to check each other with warmth and joy. I’m so lucky to have found my ever-expanding group of folks who are dedicated to finding as much truth as possible. Because the truth sets us free - free from division, free from objectification, free from assimilation, and free from manipulation. Because in the truth we see how similar we really are. And that has always been humans superpower - to see ourselves in each other. The truth is the music of America is cross cultural - we focus on the Black strands at the moment because they have been suppressed for so long. But the backdrop contains multitudes. (con’t)

4.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 21 Black Banjo Renaissance #10 Well…Me, I guess. It’s my birthday. I guess I will use today’s post to highlight some of the work I’ve done to tell the history of the banjo. I don’t know why this mission has been so obsessive for me – ever since playing with Joe Thompson I have wanted to do my part to tell the true history of America’s music. It’s all I eat, drink and breathe (along with yarn lol) that it gets to be a bit much sometimes! There are so many of us on this journey – and the knowledge being constantly discovered details, redefines, reframes and sometimes rebuts things that have been said before. The art of research is scientific – you constantly have to update your theories based on the discoveries by your colleagues. You cannot often truck in absolutes, especially in the history of poor people, who are rarely talked about in document form as much as the rich. Creativity, humility, generosity, and collaboration are needed every minute of every day; we have to check each other with warmth and joy. I’m so lucky to have found my ever-expanding group of folks who are dedicated to finding as much truth as possible. Because the truth sets us free – free from division, free from objectification, free from assimilation, and free from manipulation. Because in the truth we see how similar we really are. And that has always been humans superpower – to see ourselves in each other. The truth is the music of America is cross cultural – we focus on the Black strands at the moment because they have been suppressed for so long. But the backdrop contains multitudes. (con’t)
Likes : 4104Rhiannon Giddens - 4K Likes - Alright!! People be lovin on the Queen B Caro Mio Ben interpolation, cool! - turns out there’s a little history to black female vernacular singers interpreting opera/art song - my first exposure was Nina Simone doing “O Black Swan” (Menotti) in 1963 - but this video right here is one of my favorites. The literal Queen of Everything Aretha Franklin crushing “Nessun Dorma” in the tenor key, partly in Italian (please don’t come for her Italian in the comments. I will come for you lol). ✨Link in stories!✨ To add to the story, this was the 1998 GRAMMYS, and world famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti was scheduled to sing it with orchestra and chorus; when he called in sick, the GRAMMYS turned to Aretha, who had just happened to sing it two days earlier in tribute to Pavarotti. She had no rehearsal with the orchestra, just a tape of the dress rehearsal, and had to sing it in the tenor key, as there was no way to change that at the last minute. She just absolutely showed the kind of artist she was. I remember this so vividly! It just made me so excited, as a baby opera singer, to hear this magnificent woman make it her own. also. Notice that lifted face mask!!!! (sorry, singer lingo) photo credit: Marl Lennihan / @apnews

4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Alright!! People be lovin on the Queen B Caro Mio Ben interpolation, cool! – turns out there’s a little history to black female vernacular singers interpreting opera/art song – my first exposure was Nina Simone doing “O Black Swan” (Menotti) in 1963 – but this video right here is one of my favorites. The literal Queen of Everything Aretha Franklin crushing “Nessun Dorma” in the tenor key, partly in Italian (please don’t come for her Italian in the comments. I will come for you lol). ✨Link in stories!✨ To add to the story, this was the 1998 GRAMMYS, and world famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti was scheduled to sing it with orchestra and chorus; when he called in sick, the GRAMMYS turned to Aretha, who had just happened to sing it two days earlier in tribute to Pavarotti. She had no rehearsal with the orchestra, just a tape of the dress rehearsal, and had to sing it in the tenor key, as there was no way to change that at the last minute. She just absolutely showed the kind of artist she was. I remember this so vividly! It just made me so excited, as a baby opera singer, to hear this magnificent woman make it her own. also. Notice that lifted face mask!!!! (sorry, singer lingo) photo credit: Marl Lennihan / @apnews
Likes : 3983Rhiannon Giddens - 3.9K Likes - “The idea of place, where we belong, is a constant subject for many of us. We want to know whether it is possible to live on the earth peacefully. Is it possible to sustain life? Can we embrace an ethos of sustainability that is not solely about the appropriate care of the world’s resources, but is also about the creation of meaning - the making of lives that we feel are worth living. Tracy Chapman sings lyrics that give expression to this yearning, repeating, “I wanna wake up and know where I’m going.” Again and again as I travel around I am stunned by how many citizens in our nation feel lost, feel bereft of a sense of direction, feel as though they cannot see where our journey’s lead, that they cannot know where they are going. Many folks feel no sense of place. What they know, what they have, is a sense of crisis, of impending doom. Even the old, the elders, who have lived from decade to decade and beyond, say life is different in this time, “way strange”, that our world today is a world of “too much” - that this too muchness creates a wilderness of spriit, the everyday anguish that shapes the habits of being for those who are lost, wandering, searching. “ - from belonging: a culture of place, by bell hooks. pic by @karencoxphotography, of me and @countrygentlemancooks in the garden of Etta Baker’s house in Morganton, North Carolina.

3.9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : “The idea of place, where we belong, is a constant subject for many of us. We want to know whether it is possible to live on the earth peacefully. Is it possible to sustain life? Can we embrace an ethos of sustainability that is not solely about the appropriate care of the world’s resources, but is also about the creation of meaning – the making of lives that we feel are worth living. Tracy Chapman sings lyrics that give expression to this yearning, repeating, “I wanna wake up and know where I’m going.” Again and again as I travel around I am stunned by how many citizens in our nation feel lost, feel bereft of a sense of direction, feel as though they cannot see where our journey’s lead, that they cannot know where they are going. Many folks feel no sense of place. What they know, what they have, is a sense of crisis, of impending doom. Even the old, the elders, who have lived from decade to decade and beyond, say life is different in this time, “way strange”, that our world today is a world of “too much” – that this too muchness creates a wilderness of spriit, the everyday anguish that shapes the habits of being for those who are lost, wandering, searching. “ – from belonging: a culture of place, by bell hooks. pic by @karencoxphotography, of me and @countrygentlemancooks in the garden of Etta Baker’s house in Morganton, North Carolina.
Likes : 3916Rhiannon Giddens - 3.9K Likes - Managed to come home for a few days of rest and felinecation ❤️

3.9K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Managed to come home for a few days of rest and felinecation ❤️
Likes : 3854Rhiannon Giddens - 3.8K Likes - Holocaust Remembrance day was a few days ago, January 27, I just found out. The podcast episode linked below is an absolutely must-listen and is from one of the best series out there, Criminal. It’s about the Nuremberg trials and that incredible gentleman there, Benjamin B Ferencz. Give it a listen. We cannot forget about any of it. See the link in stories!

3.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Holocaust Remembrance day was a few days ago, January 27, I just found out. The podcast episode linked below is an absolutely must-listen and is from one of the best series out there, Criminal. It’s about the Nuremberg trials and that incredible gentleman there, Benjamin B Ferencz. Give it a listen. We cannot forget about any of it. See the link in stories!
Likes : 3812Rhiannon Giddens - 3.8K Likes - As I contemplated the railroad project for @silkroadproject , @pura._fe was one of the artists that immediately came to mind to represent the indigenous voice of the story. I have long loved her work and am so happy that she has now become a full-blown member of the Ensemble. Hers is the final episode of this season of #MyMusicPBS - watch to be stunned by her voice, lap steel playing, songwriting and ancestral connection. Stream the episode for free for four weeks on PBS.org or the @pbs App.

3.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : As I contemplated the railroad project for @silkroadproject , @pura._fe was one of the artists that immediately came to mind to represent the indigenous voice of the story. I have long loved her work and am so happy that she has now become a full-blown member of the Ensemble. Hers is the final episode of this season of #MyMusicPBS – watch to be stunned by her voice, lap steel playing, songwriting and ancestral connection. Stream the episode for free for four weeks on PBS.org or the @pbs App.
Likes : 3786Rhiannon Giddens - 3.8K Likes - This ones for all the Sally Annes #alicerandall #grammys2025. — we didnt win the Grammy but we won the night☺️

3.8K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : This ones for all the Sally Annes #alicerandall #grammys2025. — we didnt win the Grammy but we won the night☺️
Likes : 3781Rhiannon Giddens - 3.7K Likes - Made it to Louisiana and getting ready for a crawfish boil here, stay tuned for details! 🦞 Tomorrow we play New Orleans Jazz Fest - 4:15pm at the Blues Tent!

3.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Made it to Louisiana and getting ready for a crawfish boil here, stay tuned for details! 🦞 Tomorrow we play New Orleans Jazz Fest – 4:15pm at the Blues Tent!
Likes : 3718Rhiannon Giddens - 3.5K Likes - Happy #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! Did you know that 16 million young people will be voting their first ever presidential election this year? YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Registering to vote is the first step in making sure you’re heard. You can check your voter status or register now with @headcountorg at HeadCount.org/register.

3.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Happy #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! Did you know that 16 million young people will be voting their first ever presidential election this year? YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Registering to vote is the first step in making sure you’re heard. You can check your voter status or register now with @headcountorg at HeadCount.org/register.
Likes : 3549Rhiannon Giddens - 3.5K Likes - All right New York! Let’s goooooooo!

3.5K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : All right New York! Let’s goooooooo!
Likes : 3464Rhiannon Giddens - 3.4K Likes - Here’s a bit of “Marching Jaybird,” from Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) and my upcoming album, ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ out April 18 on @NonesuchRecords. Revisiting this tune recorded by Etta Baker—one of our musical heroes and a key inspiration for making this new album—was a magical moment for Justin and me. Walking into her house, which is frozen in time, looking just like it did when she was alive, very much reminded us of women in our families; sitting in her living room and recording this piece learned from her playing—with her son listening—was pretty profound. “Marching Jaybird” is out now. You can watch the video, filmed Etta Baker’s home in Morganton, NC, by @alexeimejouev, at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens In addition, we have added new tour dates in July! Artist pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10am local time - see the new dates and sign up to get the code at rhiannongiddens.com/tour. Aaaand check out @biscuitsandbanjosfest today for new artist panelist announcements! #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #MarchingJaybird #EttaBaker #Banjo

3.4K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Here’s a bit of “Marching Jaybird,” from Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) and my upcoming album, ‘What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow,’ out April 18 on @NonesuchRecords. Revisiting this tune recorded by Etta Baker—one of our musical heroes and a key inspiration for making this new album—was a magical moment for Justin and me. Walking into her house, which is frozen in time, looking just like it did when she was alive, very much reminded us of women in our families; sitting in her living room and recording this piece learned from her playing—with her son listening—was pretty profound. “Marching Jaybird” is out now. You can watch the video, filmed Etta Baker’s home in Morganton, NC, by @alexeimejouev, at YouTube.com/RhiannonGiddens In addition, we have added new tour dates in July! Artist pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10am local time – see the new dates and sign up to get the code at rhiannongiddens.com/tour. Aaaand check out @biscuitsandbanjosfest today for new artist panelist announcements! #WhatDidTheBlackbirdSayToTheCrow #MarchingJaybird #EttaBaker #Banjo
Likes : 3441Rhiannon Giddens - 3.3K Likes - Feb 24 Black Banjo Renaissance #14 Kaia Kater // @kaiakater I first met Kaia some time ago when she was just a kid still learning how to play the banjo - even then she was better than me! Ever since then she has been building her career as a banjoist, singer, and song writer - she is a compelling artist, an impeccable instrumentalist, and poetic soul. Look out for new music from her coming later this spring. Fun fact - she is the second Canadian-Grenadian banjo player on this list! (First one was @allisonrussellmusic) :)

3.3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 24 Black Banjo Renaissance #14 Kaia Kater // @kaiakater I first met Kaia some time ago when she was just a kid still learning how to play the banjo – even then she was better than me! Ever since then she has been building her career as a banjoist, singer, and song writer – she is a compelling artist, an impeccable instrumentalist, and poetic soul. Look out for new music from her coming later this spring. Fun fact – she is the second Canadian-Grenadian banjo player on this list! (First one was @allisonrussellmusic) 🙂
Likes : 3347Rhiannon Giddens - 3.2K Likes - What a fabulous time we had on @jimmykimmellive! We got up there and told that Louisiana Man what’s what 😁 Watch the full performance at the link in stories!

3.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : What a fabulous time we had on @jimmykimmellive! We got up there and told that Louisiana Man what’s what 😁 Watch the full performance at the link in stories!
Likes : 3241Rhiannon Giddens - 3.2K Likes - These are excerpts from a very different dream speech from MLK, Jr. He says a lot here, July 4, 1965. (10:15): …that through our scientific genius, we have made of this world a neighborhood. Now, through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood, and we must all learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or we will all perish together as fools. Every individual must learn this and every nation must learn this. Every nation must realize its dependence on other nations. (13:13): All I'm saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated. We are tied in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, it affects all indirectly. As long as there is extreme poverty in this world, no one can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant, and millions of people cannot expect to live more than 28 or 30 years, no one can be totally healthy even if he just got a checkup in the finest clinic of the nation. (22:12): Now we must get rid of two false ideas in order to continue to engage in creative protests. One idea is the myth of time. There are those people who argue that time alone will solve this problem. So, they say you must not push things. You must be patient. You must sit down and wait. And sometimes they decorate it in even larger terms. They say cool off for a while, slow up for a while. Time is the only thing that can solve this problem. What we must come to see is that evolution is true in the biological realm. So, Darwin is right at that point. (23:01): But when Herbert Spencer seeks to apply it to the whole of society there is little evidence for it. Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals. And without this hard work, time itself becomes the ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social stagnation, so that we must somehow get rid of this idea that time alone with solve the problem. We must use time. The whole speech has so much in it. Link in bio. PS - his expression is exactly how I feel.

3.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : These are excerpts from a very different dream speech from MLK, Jr. He says a lot here, July 4, 1965. (10:15): …that through our scientific genius, we have made of this world a neighborhood. Now, through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood, and we must all learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or we will all perish together as fools. Every individual must learn this and every nation must learn this. Every nation must realize its dependence on other nations. (13:13): All I’m saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated. We are tied in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, it affects all indirectly. As long as there is extreme poverty in this world, no one can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant, and millions of people cannot expect to live more than 28 or 30 years, no one can be totally healthy even if he just got a checkup in the finest clinic of the nation. (22:12): Now we must get rid of two false ideas in order to continue to engage in creative protests. One idea is the myth of time. There are those people who argue that time alone will solve this problem. So, they say you must not push things. You must be patient. You must sit down and wait. And sometimes they decorate it in even larger terms. They say cool off for a while, slow up for a while. Time is the only thing that can solve this problem. What we must come to see is that evolution is true in the biological realm. So, Darwin is right at that point. (23:01): But when Herbert Spencer seeks to apply it to the whole of society there is little evidence for it. Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals. And without this hard work, time itself becomes the ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social stagnation, so that we must somehow get rid of this idea that time alone with solve the problem. We must use time. The whole speech has so much in it. Link in bio. PS – his expression is exactly how I feel.
Likes : 3230Rhiannon Giddens - 3.2K Likes - So it only seems fair to feature my actual banjo nephew on this, the day of his birth. Justin Harrington, aka Demeanor @demxmusic, has been doing the impossible - combining clawhammer banjo, bones, beats and rap while advocating for rap as a folk form. He attended the Black Banjo Gathering at age 5, where he received his first pair of bones from elder Cliff Irvin, and has since soaked up every bit of vibe from his aunt’s folk world and his own hip hop world. He is also a fierce organizer, being an important voice on the Greensboro scene for truth and justice. His groundbreaking rap set at the Newport Folk Festival paved the way for Killer MIke, who is there this year, and he is active in the playback theatre scene in North Carolina; he also tours with Jake Blount (he is featured on that Tiny Desk). He is also a presenter and creator of the Underground Everywhere video series. He is a young man to be proud of, even if we weren’t related. Git it, Demeanor! Pic by @karencoxphotography

3.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : So it only seems fair to feature my actual banjo nephew on this, the day of his birth. Justin Harrington, aka Demeanor @demxmusic, has been doing the impossible – combining clawhammer banjo, bones, beats and rap while advocating for rap as a folk form. He attended the Black Banjo Gathering at age 5, where he received his first pair of bones from elder Cliff Irvin, and has since soaked up every bit of vibe from his aunt’s folk world and his own hip hop world. He is also a fierce organizer, being an important voice on the Greensboro scene for truth and justice. His groundbreaking rap set at the Newport Folk Festival paved the way for Killer MIke, who is there this year, and he is active in the playback theatre scene in North Carolina; he also tours with Jake Blount (he is featured on that Tiny Desk). He is also a presenter and creator of the Underground Everywhere video series. He is a young man to be proud of, even if we weren’t related. Git it, Demeanor! Pic by @karencoxphotography
Likes : 3185Rhiannon Giddens - 3.2K Likes - Got something sweet cookin in North Carolina…

3.2K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Got something sweet cookin in North Carolina…
Likes : 3181Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - IFYKYK

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : IFYKYK
Likes : 3108Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - Hey, all you new lovers of Black Girl Banjo Magic… We got you!!! Head on over to Apple Podcasts (link in Stories) to hear this fantastic conversation between two of the most potent and profound voices in the world of reclaiming Black country/roots music.

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Hey, all you new lovers of Black Girl Banjo Magic… We got you!!! Head on over to Apple Podcasts (link in Stories) to hear this fantastic conversation between two of the most potent and profound voices in the world of reclaiming Black country/roots music.
Likes : 3099Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - @silkroadproject

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : @silkroadproject
Likes : 3092Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - Thrilled to launch season 2 of My Music today on PBS!! 🥳 This season, I’m sharing songs and conversation with the wonderful music Silkroad's “American Railroad” project. Episode 1 features pipa master Wu Man talks about the origins of the Silkroad Ensemble. Stream #MyMusicPBS on the PBS App!!

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Thrilled to launch season 2 of My Music today on PBS!! 🥳 This season, I’m sharing songs and conversation with the wonderful music Silkroad’s “American Railroad” project. Episode 1 features pipa master Wu Man talks about the origins of the Silkroad Ensemble. Stream #MyMusicPBS on the PBS App!!
Likes : 3089Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - February 4 Mychal the Librarian // @mychal3ts I stumbled over this young man’s instagram a few months ago and was immediately struck with his enthusiasm, kindness, and love for the library. He has been on a bit of a roller coaster, as I am not the only one to admire his work! But he has handled it all with grace, humility and humanity. I was a straight up library kid for most of my childhood - I remember wandering the shelves of the Greensboro Public Library many, many times...checking out my favorite books, over and over...sitting in a child-sized chair and just diving into a book from the top of my stack while my parent roved the adult side... and the current attack on libraries has been awful to witness. Mychal’s account is a breath of fresh air - honest and loving to all, and reminding people daily why the library is so special. And so important to our communities - from the obvious (books) to the non-obvious (important services some people don’t have access to at home). And you know? I see people commenting that they want to go to HIS library cause he’s there (and i know, he’s so cool) but - seems to me he wants you to support YOUR library! Library love, every day! Library kids, Library adults, Library supporters - let’s save our libraries! Read the @nytimes article on him at the link in stories!

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : February 4 Mychal the Librarian // @mychal3ts I stumbled over this young man’s instagram a few months ago and was immediately struck with his enthusiasm, kindness, and love for the library. He has been on a bit of a roller coaster, as I am not the only one to admire his work! But he has handled it all with grace, humility and humanity. I was a straight up library kid for most of my childhood – I remember wandering the shelves of the Greensboro Public Library many, many times…checking out my favorite books, over and over…sitting in a child-sized chair and just diving into a book from the top of my stack while my parent roved the adult side… and the current attack on libraries has been awful to witness. Mychal’s account is a breath of fresh air – honest and loving to all, and reminding people daily why the library is so special. And so important to our communities – from the obvious (books) to the non-obvious (important services some people don’t have access to at home). And you know? I see people commenting that they want to go to HIS library cause he’s there (and i know, he’s so cool) but – seems to me he wants you to support YOUR library! Library love, every day! Library kids, Library adults, Library supporters – let’s save our libraries! Read the @nytimes article on him at the link in stories!
Likes : 3087Rhiannon Giddens - 3.1K Likes - Black Banjo Renaissance #20 Hannah Mayree and the Black Banjo Reclamation Project @hannah_mayree @black.banjo.reclamation The banjo spent many years being a center of spirituality for enslaved people of the African diaspora; throughout the years of minstrelsy and erasure, that connection has flowed underground like a unknown river, waiting for us to rediscover it - and we are. Hannah Mayree formed the Black Banjo Reclamation Project to get as many banjos in black hands as possible. In Hannah’s own words (from an interview with Afropop): “It goes back to what I was speaking on. And I am very much still on a journey with this. The banjo is taking me on a journey; it’s taking my local community on a journey. I’m just very excited to see where it takes us. The pain and trauma I was talking about, I think, is the pain of separation. It’s a very common emotion experienced by African-American people, expressed in different ways, when you lose trust in what you see and learn to question everything. I did not personally grow up knowing the banjo has its roots in the Black community. It’s bad enough what has happened all over the world to Black folks from health disparity, food apartheid, to prisons. For me to add “music” on top of that? Music is here to heal us!

3.1K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Black Banjo Renaissance #20 Hannah Mayree and the Black Banjo Reclamation Project @hannah_mayree @black.banjo.reclamation The banjo spent many years being a center of spirituality for enslaved people of the African diaspora; throughout the years of minstrelsy and erasure, that connection has flowed underground like a unknown river, waiting for us to rediscover it – and we are. Hannah Mayree formed the Black Banjo Reclamation Project to get as many banjos in black hands as possible. In Hannah’s own words (from an interview with Afropop): “It goes back to what I was speaking on. And I am very much still on a journey with this. The banjo is taking me on a journey; it’s taking my local community on a journey. I’m just very excited to see where it takes us. The pain and trauma I was talking about, I think, is the pain of separation. It’s a very common emotion experienced by African-American people, expressed in different ways, when you lose trust in what you see and learn to question everything. I did not personally grow up knowing the banjo has its roots in the Black community. It’s bad enough what has happened all over the world to Black folks from health disparity, food apartheid, to prisons. For me to add “music” on top of that? Music is here to heal us!
Likes : 3060Rhiannon Giddens - 3K Likes - Here’s a glimpse of my recent interview on @abcgma3 where I spoke with @kyraphillips to discuss the history of Black artists in country music. Watch the full segment at the link in bio!

3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Here’s a glimpse of my recent interview on @abcgma3 where I spoke with @kyraphillips to discuss the history of Black artists in country music. Watch the full segment at the link in bio!
Likes : 3018Rhiannon Giddens - 3K Likes - Okay folks I’m departing a little from the usual this year. The usual historical posts take me upwards of two hours a day to do, and I have some intense writing deadlines that I have to use that time for - so this year I would love to focus on some contemporary folx who are mixing and matching the arts, history, and activism in creative ways. February 1: Republic of Yarnia @republic_of_yarnia So, a literary historian who specializes in the Middle Ages settles in Ireland and hand dyes yarn with color ways inspired by portraits of Black Europeans in Medieval portraiture. Who quotes Audre Lord…and is herself a woman of color. I mean, come ON!!!!! Check out her page, her instagram, her gorgeous yarn, and her story. I’m hoping we meet someday soon! Link in stories!

3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Okay folks I’m departing a little from the usual this year. The usual historical posts take me upwards of two hours a day to do, and I have some intense writing deadlines that I have to use that time for – so this year I would love to focus on some contemporary folx who are mixing and matching the arts, history, and activism in creative ways. February 1: Republic of Yarnia @republic_of_yarnia So, a literary historian who specializes in the Middle Ages settles in Ireland and hand dyes yarn with color ways inspired by portraits of Black Europeans in Medieval portraiture. Who quotes Audre Lord…and is herself a woman of color. I mean, come ON!!!!! Check out her page, her instagram, her gorgeous yarn, and her story. I’m hoping we meet someday soon! Link in stories!
Likes : 2997Rhiannon Giddens - 3K Likes - Check out this awesome cover of the @chocolatedrops “Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind” by @tula.b.strong! Fabulous gourd banjo by @menziesinstruments

3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Check out this awesome cover of the @chocolatedrops “Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind” by @tula.b.strong! Fabulous gourd banjo by @menziesinstruments
Likes : 2996Rhiannon Giddens - 3K Likes - Feb 20 Black Banjo Renaissance #9 Allison Russell // @allisonrussellmusic She hardly needs the exposure here but can’t not mention my Our Native Daughters bandmate and spirit sis Alli - she plays a mean banjo (and clarinet too!) and has been bringing light and beauty to the realm of Americana music for years; recently she has turned up the wattage and been advocating for the #RainbowCoalition - we all deserve to be fought for and to stand together against bigotry, racism, and all the negative things bringing this country down. Allison is leading the charge and writing beautiful music to go with it. Fight on, Alli!!! We’re all right there with you.

3K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Feb 20 Black Banjo Renaissance #9 Allison Russell // @allisonrussellmusic She hardly needs the exposure here but can’t not mention my Our Native Daughters bandmate and spirit sis Alli – she plays a mean banjo (and clarinet too!) and has been bringing light and beauty to the realm of Americana music for years; recently she has turned up the wattage and been advocating for the #RainbowCoalition – we all deserve to be fought for and to stand together against bigotry, racism, and all the negative things bringing this country down. Allison is leading the charge and writing beautiful music to go with it. Fight on, Alli!!! We’re all right there with you.
Likes : 2967Rhiannon Giddens - 2.7K Likes - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz

2.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter…y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 – Seattle, WA – Meany Center – SOLD OUT Apr. 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore – SOLD OUT Apr. 22 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theater Apr. 23 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater Apr. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Theatre Apr. 27 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Apr. 28 – Mesa, AZ – Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom May 2 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre May 4 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Likes : 2711Rhiannon Giddens - 2.7K Likes - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz

2.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter…y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 – Seattle, WA – Meany Center – SOLD OUT Apr. 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore – SOLD OUT Apr. 22 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theater Apr. 23 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater Apr. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Theatre Apr. 27 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Apr. 28 – Mesa, AZ – Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom May 2 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre May 4 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Likes : 2711Rhiannon Giddens - 2.7K Likes - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz

2.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter…y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 – Seattle, WA – Meany Center – SOLD OUT Apr. 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore – SOLD OUT Apr. 22 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theater Apr. 23 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater Apr. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Theatre Apr. 27 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Apr. 28 – Mesa, AZ – Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom May 2 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre May 4 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Likes : 2711Rhiannon Giddens - 2.7K Likes - We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter...y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 - Seattle, WA - Meany Center - SOLD OUT Apr. 21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore - SOLD OUT Apr. 22 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theater Apr. 23 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theater Apr. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Ace Theatre Apr. 27 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Apr. 28 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 - Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom May 2 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre May 4 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz

2.7K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : We’ve had two amazing, sold out nights at @reserartscenter!! Now on to Seattle for another sold out show tonight at @meanycenter…y’all are bringing it! Apr. 19 – Seattle, WA – Meany Center – SOLD OUT Apr. 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore – SOLD OUT Apr. 22 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theater Apr. 23 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater Apr. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Theatre Apr. 27 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Apr. 28 – Mesa, AZ – Ikeda Theater Apr. 30 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom May 2 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre May 4 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Fest Photos 1-3 by Justine Vanderpool; 4 by @ebruyildiz
Likes : 2711Rhiannon Giddens - 2.6K Likes - It was 15 years ago today: Carolina Chocolate Drops’ (@ChocolateDrops) album ‘Genuine Negro Jig’ was released. Earning a GRAMMY Award for ‘Best Traditional Folk Album,’ the multi-instrumental trio of @RhiannonGiddens, @DomFlemons, and Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) reclaims and revives banjo-driven string-band music from North Carolina’s Piedmont region. They had met five years prior at the Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, NC, and trained in the Piedmont banjo and fiddle musical tradition under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Thompson. The band reunites for Giddens’ @biscuitsandbanjosfest in Durham this April. Painting by @julesarthur_arts. Design by @bdewilde. #CarolinaChocolateDrops #GenuineNegroJig #RhiannonGiddens #DomFlemons #JustinRobinson #JoeThompson #Banjo #BiscuitsAndBanjosFest2025 #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords

2.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : It was 15 years ago today: Carolina Chocolate Drops’ (@ChocolateDrops) album ‘Genuine Negro Jig’ was released. Earning a GRAMMY Award for ‘Best Traditional Folk Album,’ the multi-instrumental trio of @RhiannonGiddens, @DomFlemons, and Justin Robinson (@countrygentlemancooks) reclaims and revives banjo-driven string-band music from North Carolina’s Piedmont region. They had met five years prior at the Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, NC, and trained in the Piedmont banjo and fiddle musical tradition under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Thompson. The band reunites for Giddens’ @biscuitsandbanjosfest in Durham this April. Painting by @julesarthur_arts. Design by @bdewilde. #CarolinaChocolateDrops #GenuineNegroJig #RhiannonGiddens #DomFlemons #JustinRobinson #JoeThompson #Banjo #BiscuitsAndBanjosFest2025 #Nonesuch #NonesuchRecords
Likes : 2638Rhiannon Giddens - 2.6K Likes - Community music at @uncchapelhill with @countrygentlemancooks

2.6K Likes – Rhiannon Giddens Instagram

Caption : Community music at @uncchapelhill with @countrygentlemancooks
Likes : 2605
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