Musician Rhiannon Giddens describes her deep connection to her roots through music. Giddens, who identifies as “a folkie to the bone,” often feels the presence of her ancestors while playing the banjo. She states, “I feel the spirits come through,” underscoring the strength she derives from this connection in her musical journey.
Giddens draws her musical influence from the Black string band tradition, tracing back to slave times. Notably, she played the banjo on Beyoncé’s hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Beyond her solo work, Giddens serves as the artistic director of the Silk Road Ensemble, an initiative founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This group collaborates with musicians globally, embracing diverse musical traditions.
Her recent album, Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, is inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem. For Giddens, the theme of hope ties closely to her ancestors who endured severe poverty in the American South. She reflects, “What right do I have to not have hope when I don’t have to worry about starving?” Although she acknowledges a lack of faith in humanity, she maintains belief in individuals.
This interview was produced and edited by Therese Madden and Nico Gonzalez Wisler for broadcast, with web adaptation by Bridget Bentz and Molly Seavy-Nesper.
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