Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens is a musician, singer, songwriter, and actress known for her exploration of American folk music traditions and her advocacy for historical truth. After co-founding the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops in 2005 and serving as its lead singer, fiddle, and banjo player, Rhiannon Giddens has gone on to establish herself as a singular force in American folk music and beyond. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music (2000), Giddens’ musical journey intensified after attending the Black Banjo Then and Now Gathering in 2005, leading to the formation of Sankofa Strings, which evolved into the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The band released their debut album, Dona Got Ramblin’ Mind, in 2006 on the Music Maker Foundation label, selling 30,000 copies and securing a signing with Nonesuch Records.

The same year, she released her highly anticipated solo album, You’re the One, and received an honorary Doctor of Music from Princeton University. Rhiannon Giddens continues to champion diverse musical traditions through her performances, compositions, and advocacy, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary American music.