Rhiannon Giddens traces the banjo from her ancestors to Beyoncé
Summary
Rhiannon Giddens discusses her new album, "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers," and her role as artistic director of the Silk Road Ensemble. She reflects on reclaiming the term "crone" to describe her current life stage and the emotional toll of performing Black history for predominantly white audiences. Giddens also highlights her appearance on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter," which helped validate the banjo’s African origins within Black communities, and shares insights from her apprenticeship with Black string band elder Joe Thompson.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Rhiannon Giddens and her accolades
Performance of 'Step Away Blues'
Reclaiming the word 'crone' and navigating age in music
The emotional labor of performing difficult history
Performing in Sing Sing and Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter'
Advocating for the Black history of the banjo
The origins of the banjo and American creolization
Live performance of 'Freight Train' on banjo
Discussion of old-style banjo player Ann McCrady
Promotional break and return to interview
Growing up in North Carolina and family musical roots
Influences from grandmother and jazz-style songwriting
Performance of 'You Are the One'
Promotional break and return to interview
The Black string band tradition and mentor Joe Thompson
Living in Ireland and learning Gaelic songs
Performance of an Irish song
Reflections on Dolly Parton's legacy and character
Promotional break for other NPR shows
Ancestral poverty and finding hope in survival
Performance of 'Hope Is the Thing with Feathers'
Closing credits and upcoming episode preview
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