Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy Award-winning artist, scholar, and musical visionary whose work defies easy categorization. A founding member of the celebrated string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, she has since carved out a remarkable solo career that weaves together the threads of African American musical heritage, folk, blues, country, and classical traditions into something entirely her own. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Giddens studied opera before discovering the rich world of old-time music, a journey that would shape her artistic identity profoundly. Armed with her banjo, fiddle, and a voice of breathtaking power and nuance, she has become one of the most compelling storytellers in contemporary music — using song to excavate forgotten histories and amplify silenced voices. Her critically acclaimed solo albums, including *Tomorrow Is My Turn* and *They're Calling Me Home*, have earned widespread praise for their depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance. A MacArthur "Genius" Fellow and Pulitzer Prize winner for her opera *Omar*, Giddens continues to push boundaries across genres and disciplines, collaborating with artists ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Dolly Parton. More than a musician, Rhiannon Giddens is a cultural force — restoring dignity to the roots of American music while boldly imagining its future.