Rhiannon Giddens Biography

Rhiannon Giddens is an accomplished musician who has dedicated herself to preserving the history of the African American string band tradition. Through her work, she has introduced new audiences to the black banjoists and fiddlers whose contributions have been largely overlooked in popular narratives of folk and country music lineage. While Giddens initially trained as an opera singer, she later returned to North Carolina to immerse herself in traditional American roots music. Through the study of archival recordings and the mentorship of the octogenarian fiddler Joe Thompson, she honed her skills on the fiddle and 5-string banjo. She co-founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops alongside two bandmates, which sought to share this tradition with a new generation of listeners. In recent years, Giddens has released two solo albums that showcase her incredible talent and dedication to preserving African American musical traditions. Her album Tomorrow Is My Turn (2015) features riveting interpretations of songs written or made famous by women spanning folk, bluegrass, country, gospel, jazz, Celtic, and other genres. Freedom Highway (2017), her second solo album, mainly consists of original compositions by Giddens. The album traverses the experience of African Americans from slavery to the present, drawing inspiration from slave narratives, early twentieth-century songwriters such as Mississippi John Hurt, and even a rap about police violence written by her nephew. It is both a recuperation of suppressed voices and a history lesson. Overall, Rhiannon Giddens is a talented musician and passionate advocate for preserving African American musical traditions. Through her work, she has introduced new audiences to the rich history of the black banjoists and fiddlers who have contributed to the evolution of folk and country music. Contact a booking agent today to learn more if you're interested in booking her for a performance or speaking engagement.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Rhiannon Giddens's expertise is in high demand. To book Rhiannon Giddens for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Rhiannon Giddens's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Rhiannon Giddens's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Rhiannon Giddens for your next speaking engagement.