Rhiannon Giddens: The Roots Music Revitalist

Rhiannon Giddens is an American multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter who masterfully excavates and revitalizes the deep traditions of folk, bluegrass, and old-time music. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, her profound artistry reached a global audience when her 2015 solo debut album, Tomorrow Is My Turn, produced by T Bone Burnett, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Folk Albums chart.

Early career

Born in 1977, Giddens initially trained as an opera singer at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Her musical path shifted dramatically after co-founding the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops in 2005, a group dedicated to reviving the African-American string band tradition. The band's 2010 album, Genuine Negro Jig on Nonesuch Records, won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album, introducing Giddens' formidable banjo and fiddle skills to the roots music world.

Breakthrough

Giddens' solo breakthrough was solidified with 2015's Tomorrow Is My Turn on Nonesuch. The album, featuring covers of songs by diverse artists like Dolly Parton and Nina Simone, was a critical and commercial success in the folk realm. It not only topped the folk chart but also earned her a nomination for Best Folk Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, establishing her as a formidable solo force.

Key tracks

Julie — This haunting original duet with singer Bilal, from her 2023 album You're the One, showcases her evolution into a powerful contemporary songwriter.

Tomorrow Is My Turn — The title track of her debut, a cover of a Charles Aznavour song popularized by Nina Simone, perfectly framed her majestic vocal power and interpretive depth.

Freedom Highway — The title track from her 2017 album is a potent original composition that connects historical struggles with modern-day issues, demonstrating her role as a musical historian.

Waterboy — A traditional folk song she performed with the Chocolate Drops and later solo, it became a signature showcase for her stunning, operatic vocal range and raw emotional delivery.

Following her acclaimed debut, Giddens released the politically charged Freedom Highway in 2017 and the eclectic, all-original You're the One in 2023. Her prolific collaborations are legendary, including work with legendary producer T Bone Burnett, cellist Yo-Yo Ma on his Notes from the Appalachians project, and Italian multi-instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi, a frequent partner. She also contributed to the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the video game Red Dead Redemption 2.

Listeners who appreciate Rhiannon Giddens' deep dive into American musical traditions often enjoy the work of Allison Moorer, who shares a similar blend of country and folk storytelling. The historical string band focus connects to Carolina Chocolate Drops, the group she helped found. For powerful, roots-oriented female vocals, explore Brandi Carlile, another artist who bridges folk authenticity with mainstream appeal. The genre-bending acoustic exploration is also found in the music of Chris Thile, particularly in his work with Punch Brothers.

Rhiannon Giddens' rich catalog is a staple on roots and folk radio stations across the dial. Her music finds a home on public radio music programs, independent music radio stations, and dedicated Americana FM stations that champion authentic, historically-informed artistry.

You can hear the music of Rhiannon Giddens regularly featured on the curated folk and Americana radio stations available through our website. Tune in via onairium.com to discover her powerful interpretations and original songs as part of our diverse radio rotation.