Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

February 21, 1977 in Greensboro, NC

 

Rhiannon Giddens is a renowned American musician, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact in the world of classical music. Born on February 21, 1977, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Giddens grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her mother was a painter, and her father was a graphic designer who played the banjo and guitar. Giddens was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including gospel, blues, and folk, from an early age. Giddens attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied opera. She also learned to play the banjo and fiddle and became interested in traditional music. In 2005, she co-founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a group that played traditional African-American string band music. The group gained popularity and won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2011 for their album "Genuine Negro Jig." In addition to her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens has also pursued a successful solo career. She released her debut solo album, "Tomorrow Is My Turn," in 2015, which was produced by T Bone Burnett. The album featured covers of songs by female artists such as Nina Simone, Dolly Parton, and Patsy Cline. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album. Giddens has also collaborated with a number of other musicians throughout her career. In 2017, she released an album with Italian multi-instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi called "There Is No Other." The album featured a blend of traditional music from different cultures, including African, Arabic, and European. The album was well-received and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Album. Giddens has also been recognized for her contributions to music and the arts. In 2017, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a "genius grant," for her work in preserving and promoting traditional music. The fellowship comes with a $625,000 stipend, which Giddens has used to support her work and collaborate with other artists. In addition to her musical career, Giddens has also been involved in activism and social justice work. She has spoken out about issues such as racism and inequality and has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues. She has also been involved in efforts to preserve and promote traditional music, particularly the music of African-American communities. Overall, Rhiannon Giddens is a talented and accomplished musician who has made a significant impact in the world of classical music. Her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and as a solo artist has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, and her collaborations with other musicians have helped to promote traditional music from different cultures. Her activism and social justice work have also made her a respected voice in the music industry and beyond.

More....