RHIANNON GIDDENS FEAT. JASON ISBELL

Biography

Rhiannon Giddens, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, graduated from Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a degree in vocal performance, initially focusing on opera. After returning to her native Greensboro, she worked various jobs, including as a singing hostess at a Macaroni Grill, before shifting her interest to American roots and folk music, particularly its overlooked Black origins. She took up the banjo to reclaim it as an instrument born in Black culture and co-founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops, learning directly from fiddler Joe Thompson.[3][6][7]

Giddens's career expanded beyond folk into diverse projects, including composing the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar with Michael Abels in 2023, earning a MacArthur 'genius' grant in 2017, and releasing albums like You're the One in 2023, which blends banjo with funk, zydeco, blues, and horns. Her musical style draws from old-time string band music, blues, and influences like Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Patti Page, and Bonnie Raitt, while addressing historical narratives such as interracial love and slavery. She has collaborated on high-profile works, including Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, and hosts projects exploring banjo history.[2][3][6]

Living in Ireland with partner Francesco Turrisi and her two children from her marriage to Irish musician Michael Laffan, Giddens continues to excavate American music's roots to inform the present, emphasizing Sankofa—fetching the past to move forward. Her legacy lies in bridging genres, reclaiming Black contributions to Americana, and inspiring global fights against cultural erasure through scholarship, performance, and composition.[3][6][9]

Fun Facts

• Giddens won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music for the opera Omar, learning of the win via tweet while walking near her home in Ireland.[3]
• The duet 'Yet to Be' with Jason Isbell is autobiographical, inspired by her relationship and marriage to Irish musician Michael Laffan, father of her children.[1][3]
• She once worked as a singing hostess at a Macaroni Grill in Greensboro after college before fully committing to roots music.[3]
• Giddens produced a ten-part video series on banjo history and channels 1990s country influences from strong female artists like Dolly Parton in her work.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joe Thompson - Fiddler who taught old-time string band music through direct apprenticeship (Carolina Chocolate Drops repertoire) [2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Jason Isbell - Duet partner on personal song about interracial relationship ("Yet to Be" from You're the One) [2023]
• Michael Laffan - Ex-husband and Irish musician, inspiration for lyrics ("Yet to Be") [2023]
• Francesco Turrisi - Longtime musical partner and current life partner (Various albums and projects) [2010s-present]
• Michael Abels - Co-composer (Opera Omar (Pulitzer winner)) [2023]
• Carolina Chocolate Drops members - Founding member of old-time string band (Multiple albums) [2005-2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Adia Victoria - Inspired by Giddens's blues and historical excavation in her own music and writing (Interview discussions on Southern Black women's voices) [2023]

External Links

• Spotify