On NPR I heard an African guy talking about how he went to college in the US in the Seventies and was hanging with White friends while watching Hee Haw and he saw Roy Clark playing the banjo and how he exclaimed "my uncle in the backwoods of Senegal plays that instrument!". His American friends thought he was nuts. But it turns out that in the villages of Senegal they do play a traditional instrument nearly identical to the banjo...and play it claw hammer style.
The first string instrument was dated back to Ancient Mesopotamia. The first 6 string was created in Spain. There’s been many different versions of string instruments throughout the world.
I was fortunate to take a history of African American music class in 1970 at the University of Washington in Seattle and learned there about the African roots of the banjo, starting with the gourd banjo. Class was taught by Professor Robert Garfias. Early blues and jazz covered too.
My great grandmother played the banjo (and violin, piano, pump organ) in western Kentucky in the late 1800s. I keep a photo of her and her banjo. She was no "hick", either. She was very classy, was a renowned hat-maker and seamstress. Her history led me to become a musician, and to study the history of the banjo and other instruments. So glad this history is getting spread.
I grew up in urban America and always loved the sound of the banjo. Whenever I mentioned how much I liked the banjo, my cosmopolitan friends and family thought I was nuts. There's something about the sound of the banjo that is very uplifting and free.
Rhiannon; I was pleasantly surprised to see my reproduction of the painting that you showed at 4:30 min in your presentation: African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia: A Study of Folk Traditions. I have a banjo, mostly because my sister. Before she passed away she wanted to play the banjo. So I learned a few chords and showed her how to play. Then, while she played banjo, I played my guitar, and we sang Credence Clearwater Revival songs. Joyful memories. I'm so glad I found you, and will seek out more of what you put on the internet. Peace to you sister from another mister.
I visited a museum in Tennessee and they have a small historical history of the banjo on display were several handmade banjos from Africa. So it truly is an African genesis
As an African American man , I’ve always appreciated country/blues/ folk music. It tells the stories of the people. The first time I heard a gourd banjo in my mid twenties I nearly cried. Everything she says about the spiritual power of the instrument rings so true. I’ve fallen in love with the instrument and learning it adds so much value to my life. It’s the closest I can get to understanding where i and my ancestors came from
A few years ago Rhiannon played the Festival in the Grass in Australia. I was hangin’ to hear her and my son got busted on the way in. Sadly, I missed her. So disappointed .🌹j.
I loved this, and I never knew that the banjo had this amazing history! I'm Scottish and fascinated with the history with bagpipes, this is fascinating & really, really sad due to the Slavery aspect but what a wonderful gift they gave us! Rhiannon, I love your voice & music! Thank you sooooo much for keeping this alive, it means so much!!
Rhiannon, you are truly an American and Musical treasure! Thank you for this wonderful history, as well as an insight into your own movement into the music of the banjo. If I were one to have a "bucket list", meeting you would be one of the top entries!
When your video ended, I thought something had gone wrong with my tablet as I couldn't believe 21 minutes had passed, I was so involved with your production.
I live in Ireland and only discovered Rhiannon Giddens recently. She has opened the doors to me to a whole new mind-blowing Talent. I am eager to immerse myself! Thankyou Rhiannon for this immense and profound gift ❤❤❤❤
Despite Brazil received same people than USA, we haven't a tradition of african stringed melodic instruments: heat and moisture destroy them fastly. However we have documentation about their use by africans arrived here and we are recovering this tradition with modern materials to build them and contact with african derivative culture worldwide.
Beautiful presentation, thank you! ❤️ I found out about the African roots of the banjo early in my life, when I was 10 years old, in Prague, at Pete Seeger’s concert there. By the time I was 17, excellent bluegrass bands had already popped up all around Czechoslovakia and played regularly on the Czech radio. Many banjoists had first learned “How to play the 5-string banjo” from 5 copies of the instruction book Pete had left behind (and their copies, and more copies of those copies).😅 By the time I was 25, hundreds of bluegrass and American folk music bands existed there and participated in huge festivals of this genre. We even had a “black” spiritual band called Spiritual Kvintet. The musicians were of course Czech nationals. 😁 Those were the days, my friend(s)…
Thank you Rhiannon, on St. Thomas, USVI, we were given a Kora. A late, dear friend named Jamesie Brewster, had a Scratch band and made his own banjos from cheese tins. My husband was a producer of a documentary about Mr. Brewster's band. At the invitation of the Queen of Denmark the band performed there and held workshops.
I am like you Ms. Giddens. I am half white and half Asian and I have never known where I truly belong.. I call myself a child of the earth.. because I do know that to be true. And I too play the banjo .. because it fill's my soul with incredible joy and happiness and light.. and the vibrations come from my mother earth into this banjo right into my soul... Thank you for sharing.
Miss Giddens you have the most beautiful and eligent hand I could watch you play for hours your hands are amazing. You music is a treasure and your exploration of music helps me grow! But wow those finger out shin your smile which is great.
I discovered Ms. Giddens when she recorded "Freedom Highway" which left me speechless. I have been a fan since. She comes across as such a humble person unlike other people with 1/3 of her talent. I appreciate how she gives us the background and history of the music. She is a treasure. 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
I love this. Beautiful person telling an emotional story with music. Not hating on anybody. The string that runs through the narrative is love and humanity. ♥
Love her. Met her at my friend’s house years ago in DC on her way to get her Grammy. Was an honor to play with some of her former chocolate drops band members. Rhiannon is such a nice person and an American treasure.
Rhiannon, your work is always brilliant. Your communication both academically and musically, and as a story teller... well, let's just say, I share it with friends whenever I can!
I am 70 years old now. I thought of banjo the same as she said in the beginning. I will never hear it that way again. I want to thank my baby sisters for loving your music first, and bombing with your music links
When PBS debuted Ken Burns' "Country Music" abt 5 yrs ago, it was kicked off with a concert that was broadcast. The opener was Rhiannon on banjo and a bluegrass/roots music fiddler (I think it was Ketch Secor); they did an absolutely riveting, BLAZING song ("Ruby"?) that kind of left me with goosebumps and my mouth hanging open. I wish like hell I could see/hear that performance again. It was really amazing. And yes, being that Ken Burns and his colleagues always do their homework, the series did include African American influence and contributions to bluegrass and country music. There's definitely more than most of us realize!
Wow! Thank you so much. I am learning the banjo now. I don’t like bluegrass music but I love the banjo. It never made sense to me before. Now I get it thanks to you. I am an old white guy and hope I am not committing cultural appropriation. Your playing and singing is heavenly. Yes, the spiritual aspect is clear. Thank you for your wonderful teaching.
That's very interesting that you associated banjo with white folk in your youth. When I was young (way before you) the banjo was more tagged with black folk. Later on hearing Taj Mahal's De Ole Folks at Home cemented my love of early folk music. I listened to other folk recordings but he really exemplified the simple repetitive rhythms for me which I played along with on my National steel. Your journey exploring the origins of the instrument and sounds is fascinating and most appreciated. Great to see and hear young folk embracing the wonderful sound of roots folk.
Simply wonderful, Rhiannon. White boy here, grew up in the fifties, my father played the banjo, although not in overalls. I became a musician and instrumentmaker, mostly medieval and polyrhthmic stuff. I knew some of the history of the banjo, but nothing compared to the detail you have researched. Thanks so much. Lunch is on me if you're ever in town. Cheers from sunny Vienna, Scott
Please do more of these. I found this video extremally interesting, but I feel that you just scratched the surface. I would love to hear more history of each type of banjo. I really like your style and the way you present the topic. Again, please do more.
I think the algorithm sent this to me because I listened to her sing "american tune" with paul Simon. One of the best things it has done for me. This is amazing
Music connects us and now I’ve learned how my fave instrument is part of that thanks to this video. Thank you Rhiannon. God is working with you to connect hearts ❤❤❤
Thank You Rhiannon. From this clip I went to Bella Fleck’s movie “Throw down Your Heart” 2008. A wonderful journey through Africa following the roots of the banjo. The musicians from East and West Africa along with Bella transcends anything I have ever experienced before! Play on,💕🎶
Fascinating and well-articulated presentation. Over the years, you have checked off so many pleasure boxes in my mind. Beautiful. Talented player. Wonderful voice. Obvious passion for music and history. Thank you for so much entertainment and knowledge. Again.
You did a great job on this. I love learning about history and more about stuff I already learned. I first learned about this about 10 years ago from a PBS on a show called History Detectives.
Excellent! Thank you so much for confirming the history of an instrument I love so much! I'm 82 years old now and came to a young man during the Folk Music scene in the 60's. In college I was part of a Trio doing songs from famous groups like the Kingston Trio, Brothers Four, and others. Of course, I bought a Tenor Banjo, I could play, but never really good. But, one can dream! I still have the Banjo along with other old man (women too) made instruments like the Cigar Box Guitars. I have 3 CBG's and can actually play them a little better than the Banjo! But, no concerts in my future! After watching this today, I plan to dust off my Banjo and try once again to self entertain with some old Folk music. Thank you, keep on playing! Bill 😊
I don't play music but I have a deep appreciation for those that do. If there was an instrument that I would like to learn to play it would be the banjo. I just love the unique sound of it. Thank you Rhiannon for researching the Banjo and its history in our culture.
What an absolutely extraordinary video! I had no idea about any of these instruments nor much of the history of the banjo. This information was mind-blowing, and the Gourd Banjo an incredibly beautiful instrument. Thanks to Ms. Giddens and the others involved for creating this exceptional piece of scholarship and musical performance.
My lady,music is our universal language and bonds folks of all walks of life. I didnt even consider black or white until it was pointed out . Love and respect sister . Much of my ojibou heritage was enslaved and murdered as were many of my irish ancestors. I believe music is a common language that may be one of our chances to unite mankind . Really appreciate your in depth research and wish ya'll well .
Rhiannon is not just a talented and gifted musician, singer and song writer but a teacher of historical roots regarding ancient appalachian music in America, she brings that history to live through this music, every American, especially African Americans need to learn from this amazing cultured woman, the minute she said she felt connected with the banjo without her having the knowledge she has now about it, it was no coincidence at the time that it was her ancient african deceased ancestors transmitting that spiritual connection to her, she is definitely a chosen pioneer by her african ancestors to convey their ancient soul in a modern inspiration of the american bluegrass banjo, this is why her talent is at another level, the gifted essence of her soul is majestically haunting through the ghostly guidance of her ancestors, you can feel it
Once I started learning how to play the banjo, I quickly learned its True roots. Prior to that…. During the time I was only contemplating learning, I thought those initial thoughts you described. Thank you for being ❤
This has been a wonderful history you have provided. The story told is so lovely, musically, and personally. So many bits and pieces I picked up over the years you have shed light on and created a tapestry. Your recordings which I listen to so often is a part of this film to, for me. Your storytelling and your music are soothing and wonderful. Thank you, sy,
In a few of Kipling's short stories about the English Colonials in India the banjo is mentioned, mainly as an instrument that someone would play for relaxation or recreation. I've also read a couple of stories set in Great Britain that mention the banjo. And of course Ms. Giddons mentions the Irish banjo. I think the history of the banjo among the English, not just the Americans could add another dimension to its history.
This is very good and articulate acount of how this beautiful instrument came to be through all the diffrent cultures of music. Very fascinating . Thankyou
Excellent job Miss Rhiannon Giddens, I have known a lot of what you shared for decades and you have filled a bunch a holes and I do appreciate that !!!!!!!!!1
How fun! Your story led me to see if there was "banjo" in my cultural past....1760 account of two brothers learning to play and dance from slaves they knew. Quite an amusing account. The boys enjoyed themselves enough that the account records they wanted to have their own banjos. Fascinating. Keeping alive the memory of African Conqurors enslaving and selling them to others who transport them to the Caribbean and later the Colonies.
The banjo 🪕 🪕 is such a sacred instrument. When I was in West Africa the different styles of banjos (akintong)🪕🪕 paired with bluegrass 🎶 was astonishingly gorgeous👂🏿👂🏿. We didn't learn 🎶 history in school and it's intentional. This suppresses black folks🤬. Thank you for advocating our history📚🎶🙌🏿🪕✨🎸🪘🎻📯🪈🎺🍶🕺🏿👩🏿🎤👨🏿🍳🎬
In my early twenties I would go research at libraries and I checked out a African music vhs and showed varieties of styles and instruments. They have gourd type string instruments. I’ve heard a name called “banjar”. I’m Mexican and fell in love with banjo (among other world folk instruments) and now play Irish folk. But would love to learn more
A great and informative video, Rhiannon! I used to have a girlfriend who was a Bluegrass banjo player. She had an old cartoon on her refrigerator door in which the devil is opening the door to a room full of banjo players, and is saying to a classical music conductor who is about to enter, "Here is your room, Maestro!" Yeah! That gourd banjo you played at the end was really soulful and inspiring - inspiring to me in giving me ideas for the creation of my own banjo-like string instrument.
Oh my! This is wonderful and so engaging for me…..as one who loves music, stringed instruments, 5 string banjos and now Rhiannon Giddens!! Whew! Makes me want to learn frailing again (soooo difficult for me 😬) Thank you for this important and culturally significant “connecting of the dots”!
The earliest instruments in which banjos are derived from sounds and looks very different from the banjos we know today and come with features that the older instruments didn't have, this is enough to convince me that the banjo is indeed a quintessentially American instrument although with roots stretching all the way to Africa.
R.G THE. Most well spoken musician I've ever heard lectured on musical instruments , she sounded like a professor. Given lecture at at a University. A true gifted talent.
Rhiannon you have been such an inspiration to me for years, actually since I first started using UA-cam. Can you tell me any more about the Irish roots of the banjo. I am a british women in my 60s and have been playing instruments since I was 5yrs old. but for the first time I have got myself a banjo ( i have always wanted one) and I feel like it is the instrument of my soul. It sings in my heart (if that makes sense) but when I tune it down to the Irish violin tuning this is intensified and for the first time ever song lyrics just come to me while I'm playing (thats a new thing for me). I know that black people have nearly always been part of British society for centuries going back to Roman times, in fact one of our queens, Queen Charlotte, about 200-300 years ago, was a mixed race African princess who married one of our kings. If you can tell me anything about the history of the banjo in Ireland and how it got back to Ireland, would be so amazing. I have been trying to copy the bluegrass tutorials and its not working for me, especially claw hammer, as I have played violin and guitar all my life, I seem to have my own style and rhythm, is that okay?
I was privileged to be the Director of Photography for this series with the very awesome Rhiannon Giddens.
Good work!
This is AWESOME! 💜
You are a lucky, privileged man. Thank you for doing a wonderful job!
On NPR I heard an African guy talking about how he went to college in the US in the Seventies and was hanging with White friends while watching Hee Haw and he saw Roy Clark playing the banjo and how he exclaimed "my uncle in the backwoods of Senegal plays that instrument!". His American friends thought he was nuts. But it turns out that in the villages of Senegal they do play a traditional instrument nearly identical to the banjo...and play it claw hammer style.
Not shocking that they were that ignorant.
Fr.
MUSIC IS THE EXAMPLE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO EGYPT.. ALL STOLEN FROM BLACK PEOPLE THEN REBRANDED AS THE EUROPEAN..
Mali as well.
The first string instrument was dated back to Ancient Mesopotamia. The first 6 string was created in Spain. There’s been many different versions of string instruments throughout the world.
Rhiannon Giddens is a national treasure. Love her music!
I was fortunate to take a history of African American music class in 1970 at the University of Washington in Seattle and learned there about the African roots of the banjo, starting with the gourd banjo. Class was taught by Professor Robert Garfias. Early blues and jazz covered too.
My great grandmother played the banjo (and violin, piano, pump organ) in western Kentucky in the late 1800s. I keep a photo of her and her banjo. She was no "hick", either. She was very classy, was a renowned hat-maker and seamstress. Her history led me to become a musician, and to study the history of the banjo and other instruments. So glad this history is getting spread.
This lady’s talent is astounding. I listen to her every time I come across her and I’ve never been disappointed.
Ms. Giddens makes the world a much better place. Thk u!
I grew up in urban America and always loved the sound of the banjo. Whenever I mentioned how much I liked the banjo, my cosmopolitan friends and family thought I was nuts. There's something about the sound of the banjo that is very uplifting and free.
Rhiannon; I was pleasantly surprised to see my reproduction of the painting that you showed at 4:30 min in your presentation: African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia: A Study of Folk Traditions. I have a banjo, mostly because my sister. Before she passed away she wanted to play the banjo. So I learned a few chords and showed her how to play. Then, while she played banjo, I played my guitar, and we sang Credence Clearwater Revival songs. Joyful memories. I'm so glad I found you, and will seek out more of what you put on the internet. Peace to you sister from another mister.
This was an “oh what the hell” click to listen to for sure. Glad I did. Fascinating look at the history of an instrument we take so for granted.
I visited a museum in Tennessee and they have a small historical history of the banjo on display were several handmade banjos from Africa. So it truly is an African genesis
As an African American man , I’ve always appreciated country/blues/ folk music. It tells the stories of the people. The first time I heard a gourd banjo in my mid twenties I nearly cried. Everything she says about the spiritual power of the instrument rings so true. I’ve fallen in love with the instrument and learning it adds so much value to my life. It’s the closest I can get to understanding where i and my ancestors came from
I tell you what, I really like Rhiannon Giddens! Awesome musician, singer, and dives right into history also! 🎶❤️🎶
A few years ago Rhiannon played the Festival in the Grass in Australia. I was hangin’ to hear her and my son got busted on the way in. Sadly, I missed her. So disappointed .🌹j.
I loved this, and I never knew that the banjo had this amazing history! I'm Scottish and fascinated with the history with bagpipes, this is fascinating & really, really sad due to the Slavery aspect but what a wonderful gift they gave us! Rhiannon, I love your voice & music! Thank you sooooo much for keeping this alive, it means so much!!
Really love this woman. Such a wonderful, sharp musician and human being.
Rhiannon, you are truly an American and Musical treasure! Thank you for this wonderful history, as well as an insight into your own movement into the music of the banjo. If I were one to have a "bucket list", meeting you would be one of the top entries!
When your video ended, I thought something had gone wrong with my tablet as I couldn't believe 21 minutes had passed, I was so involved with your production.
I live in Ireland and only discovered Rhiannon Giddens recently. She has opened the doors to me to a whole new mind-blowing Talent. I am eager to immerse myself! Thankyou Rhiannon for this immense and profound gift ❤❤❤❤
You know Rhiannon has a home in Ireland.
Despite Brazil received same people than USA, we haven't a tradition of african stringed melodic instruments: heat and moisture destroy them fastly. However we have documentation about their use by africans arrived here and we are recovering this tradition with modern materials to build them and contact with african derivative culture worldwide.
Continue to do your research and preserve The African history in Brazil!
Beautiful presentation, thank you! ❤️ I found out about the African roots of the banjo early in my life, when I was 10 years old, in Prague, at Pete Seeger’s concert there. By the time I was 17, excellent bluegrass bands had already popped up all around Czechoslovakia and played regularly on the Czech radio. Many banjoists had first learned “How to play the 5-string banjo” from 5 copies of the instruction book Pete had left behind (and their copies, and more copies of those copies).😅 By the time I was 25, hundreds of bluegrass and American folk music bands existed there and participated in huge festivals of this genre. We even had a “black” spiritual band called Spiritual Kvintet. The musicians were of course Czech nationals. 😁 Those were the days, my friend(s)…
Thank you Rhiannon for such a wonderful doco. My banjo is an old, put together one but I swear it has a spirit all of it's own.
Having a mentor in life as Joe Thompson was to you is one of the greatest blessing in life.
She is super talented. Got to meet her at Graves Mountain (in Virginia) and she was so gracious as well❤
Thank you Rhiannon, on St. Thomas, USVI, we were given a Kora. A late, dear friend named Jamesie Brewster, had a Scratch band and made his own banjos from cheese tins. My husband was a producer of a documentary about Mr. Brewster's band. At the invitation of the Queen of Denmark the band performed there and held workshops.
I am like you Ms. Giddens. I am half white and half Asian and I have never known where I truly belong.. I call myself a child of the earth.. because I do know that to be true. And I too play the banjo .. because it fill's my soul with incredible joy and happiness and light.. and the vibrations come from my mother earth into this banjo right into my soul... Thank you for sharing.
You! Started me on my path to claw-hammer. I knew the history but you! Helped me become sober and a real man. Ty!
Miss Giddens you have the most beautiful and eligent hand I could watch you play for hours your hands are amazing. You music is a treasure and your exploration of music helps me grow! But wow those finger out shin your smile which is great.
I discovered Ms. Giddens when she recorded "Freedom Highway" which left me speechless. I have been a fan since. She comes across as such a humble person unlike other people with 1/3 of her talent. I appreciate how she gives us the background and history of the music. She is a treasure. 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
I love this. Beautiful person telling an emotional story with music. Not hating on anybody. The string that runs through the narrative is love and humanity. ♥
Thanks Rhiannon for this excellent summary of important cultural information. Great to see Greg there as well.
Love her. Met her at my friend’s house years ago in DC on her way to get her Grammy. Was an honor to play with some of her former chocolate drops band members. Rhiannon is such a nice person and an American treasure.
When I think of the banjo, I think of my dear friend Earl who was a world class "banger" player. RIP brother Earl.
All my life my grandmother loved watching listening and dancing to live country/ blue grass. It gave her so much joy! Now I understand why.
Thank you
Rhiannon, your work is always brilliant. Your communication both academically and musically, and as a story teller... well, let's just say, I share it with friends whenever I can!
I am 70 years old now. I thought of banjo the same as she said in the beginning. I will never hear it that way again. I want to thank my baby sisters for loving your music first, and bombing with your music links
When PBS debuted Ken Burns' "Country Music" abt 5 yrs ago, it was kicked off with a concert that was broadcast. The opener was Rhiannon on banjo and a bluegrass/roots music fiddler (I think it was Ketch Secor); they did an absolutely riveting, BLAZING song ("Ruby"?) that kind of left me with goosebumps and my mouth hanging open. I wish like hell I could see/hear that performance again. It was really amazing. And yes, being that Ken Burns and his colleagues always do their homework, the series did include African American influence and contributions to bluegrass and country music. There's definitely more than most of us realize!
Wow! Thank you so much. I am learning the banjo now. I don’t like bluegrass music but I love the banjo. It never made sense to me before. Now I get it thanks to you. I am an old white guy and hope I am not committing cultural appropriation. Your playing and singing is heavenly. Yes, the spiritual aspect is clear. Thank you for your wonderful teaching.
Thanks for this. As a claw hammer player it makes me more deeply appreciate my love of old time music.
That's very interesting that you associated banjo with white folk in your youth. When I was young (way before you) the banjo was more tagged with black folk. Later on hearing Taj Mahal's De Ole Folks at Home cemented my love of early folk music.
I listened to other folk recordings but he really exemplified the simple repetitive rhythms for me which I played along with on my National steel.
Your journey exploring the origins of the instrument and sounds is fascinating and most appreciated. Great to see and hear young folk embracing the wonderful sound of roots folk.
Simply wonderful, Rhiannon. White boy here, grew up in the fifties, my father played the banjo, although not in overalls. I became a musician and instrumentmaker, mostly medieval and polyrhthmic stuff. I knew some of the history of the banjo, but nothing compared to the detail you have researched. Thanks so much.
Lunch is on me if you're ever in town. Cheers from sunny Vienna, Scott
Rhianna, Osiyo from KY, and Indiana ❤ Love You Music and Energy ❤ Thank You😊
What a musical and literary contribution you are making to the masses for all posterity. Thank you.
Please do more of these. I found this video extremally interesting, but I feel that you just scratched the surface. I would love to hear more history of each type of banjo. I really like your style and the way you present the topic. Again, please do more.
I think the algorithm sent this to me because I listened to her sing "american tune" with paul Simon. One of the best things it has done for me. This is amazing
Music connects us and now I’ve learned how my fave instrument is part of that thanks to this video. Thank you Rhiannon. God is working with you to connect hearts ❤❤❤
Thank You Rhiannon. From this clip I went to Bella Fleck’s movie “Throw down Your Heart” 2008. A wonderful journey through Africa following the roots of the banjo. The musicians from East and West Africa along with Bella transcends anything I have ever experienced before! Play on,💕🎶
Fascinating and well-articulated presentation. Over the years, you have checked off so many pleasure boxes in my mind. Beautiful. Talented player. Wonderful voice. Obvious passion for music and history. Thank you for so much entertainment and knowledge. Again.
You did a great job on this. I love learning about history and more about stuff I already learned. I first learned about this about 10 years ago from a PBS on a show called History Detectives.
I started listening to this video, before I clicked on it to watch it.
Awesome to hear that history! Thank you for posting.
Wow. What a nuanced presentation. So many people have an agenda when discussing history; none of that here. So refreshing!
We appreciate you ms.Riannon keep up the good work and your journey❤
Excellent! Thank you so much for confirming the history of an instrument I love so much! I'm 82 years old now and came to a young man during the Folk Music scene in the 60's. In college I was part of a Trio doing songs from famous groups like the Kingston Trio, Brothers Four, and others. Of course, I bought a Tenor Banjo, I could play, but never really good. But, one can dream! I still have the Banjo along with other old man (women too) made instruments like the Cigar Box Guitars. I have 3 CBG's and can actually play them a little better than the Banjo! But, no concerts in my future! After watching this today, I plan to dust off my Banjo and try once again to self entertain with some old Folk music. Thank you, keep on playing! Bill 😊
Wish this was longer. Hope she further chronicles her journey.
Beutiful music, beutiful instruments, Incredible Musician and a fine education on the importance of early Black music in America today.
Love it!! Love that she brought this info forward for more people to hear about the truth of this wonderful music!
I don't play music but I have a deep appreciation for those that do. If there was an instrument that I would like to learn to play it would be the banjo. I just love the unique sound of it. Thank you Rhiannon for researching the Banjo and its history in our culture.
Get you a banjoooooo!!!
What an absolutely extraordinary video! I had no idea about any of these instruments nor much of the history of the banjo. This information was mind-blowing, and the Gourd Banjo an incredibly beautiful instrument. Thanks to Ms. Giddens and the others involved for creating this exceptional piece of scholarship and musical performance.
❤ love her music, lyrics and style, beautiful! Saw her on local news on CBS Saturday morning
I've listened to Old Time for over 50 years and love the Claw Hammer Banjo style.
wow, this was fascinating to watch. I loved every second of it, and the snippets of music were wonderful.
So illuminating, thanks for sharing...as a clawhammer player I find your playing so inspiring...love the sound of that gourd banjo!
Thanks for listening!
My lady,music is our universal language and bonds folks of all walks of life. I didnt even consider black or white until it was pointed out . Love and respect sister . Much of my ojibou heritage was enslaved and murdered as were many of my irish ancestors. I believe music is a common language that may be one of our chances to unite mankind . Really appreciate your in depth research and wish ya'll well .
Rhiannon is not just a talented and gifted musician, singer and song writer but a teacher of historical roots regarding ancient appalachian music in America, she brings that history to live through this music, every American, especially African Americans need to learn from this amazing cultured woman, the minute she said she felt connected with the banjo without her having the knowledge she has now about it, it was no coincidence at the time that it was her ancient african deceased ancestors transmitting that spiritual connection to her, she is definitely a chosen pioneer by her african ancestors to convey their ancient soul in a modern inspiration of the american bluegrass banjo, this is why her talent is at another level, the gifted essence of her soul is majestically haunting through the ghostly guidance of her ancestors, you can feel it
Just think; she plays the banjo on "Texas Hold 'Em" and people are going crazy.
It's so great that you went on that road of discovery!
Once I started learning how to play the banjo, I quickly learned its True roots.
Prior to that…. During the time I was only contemplating learning, I thought those initial thoughts you described.
Thank you for being ❤
This has been a wonderful history you have provided. The story told is so lovely, musically, and personally. So many bits and pieces I picked up over the years you have shed light on and created a tapestry. Your recordings which I listen to so often is a part of this film to, for me. Your storytelling and your music are soothing and wonderful. Thank you, sy,
Brilliant, fiercely honest, fearless. And beautiful.
In a few of Kipling's short stories about the English Colonials in India the banjo is mentioned, mainly as an instrument that someone would play for relaxation or recreation. I've also read a couple of stories set in Great Britain that mention the banjo. And of course Ms. Giddons mentions the Irish banjo. I think the history of the banjo among the English, not just the Americans could add another dimension to its history.
I'd heard bits and pieces of this elsewhere but love how you've brought together such a comprehensive and thoughtful history.
Really interesting story. Thank you!
This is very good and articulate acount of how this beautiful instrument came to be through all the diffrent cultures of music. Very fascinating . Thankyou
Excellent job Miss Rhiannon Giddens, I have known a lot of what you shared for decades and you have filled a bunch a holes and I do appreciate that !!!!!!!!!1
How fun! Your story led me to see if there was "banjo" in my cultural past....1760 account of two brothers learning to play and dance from slaves they knew. Quite an amusing account. The boys enjoyed themselves enough that the account records they wanted to have their own banjos. Fascinating. Keeping alive the memory of African Conqurors enslaving and selling them to others who transport them to the Caribbean and later the Colonies.
Rhiannon Giddens is a badass Banjo/fiddle player and singer also 🥰
I wish the Carolina Chocolate Drops were still together. I saw them x4 and love their take on old time music. Miss that band!!!
So much good info, will have to watch it again. Thank you for creating this.
The banjo 🪕 🪕 is such a sacred instrument. When I was in West Africa the different styles of banjos (akintong)🪕🪕 paired with bluegrass 🎶 was astonishingly gorgeous👂🏿👂🏿. We didn't learn 🎶 history in school and it's intentional. This suppresses black folks🤬. Thank you for advocating our history📚🎶🙌🏿🪕✨🎸🪘🎻📯🪈🎺🍶🕺🏿👩🏿🎤👨🏿🍳🎬
In my early twenties I would go research at libraries and I checked out a African music vhs and showed varieties of styles and instruments. They have gourd type string instruments. I’ve heard a name called “banjar”. I’m Mexican and fell in love with banjo (among other world folk instruments) and now play Irish folk. But would love to learn more
I would be so honored to meet her and hear her play
A great and informative video, Rhiannon! I used to have a girlfriend who was a Bluegrass banjo player. She had an old cartoon on her refrigerator door in which the devil is opening the door to a room full of banjo players, and is saying to a classical music conductor who is about to enter, "Here is your room, Maestro!" Yeah! That gourd banjo you played at the end was really soulful and inspiring - inspiring to me in giving me ideas for the creation of my own banjo-like string instrument.
Oh my! This is wonderful and so engaging for me…..as one who loves music, stringed instruments, 5 string banjos and now Rhiannon Giddens!! Whew! Makes me want to learn frailing again (soooo difficult for me 😬) Thank you for this important and culturally significant “connecting of the dots”!
Fascinating, I want to learn more about this.
I subscribe to Wondrium and have watched all of the segments that follow this one (9 more regular plus 3 performance) They are all great,
We are so happy you are enjoying the segments!
Thanks for doing this. I had no idea.
More films and materials like this should be shown in high school American history.
❤ it's beautiful...These discoveries that lead to the fact that music belongs to people
Somewhere, Pete Seeger sits, smiling down upon this woman’s every word and performance.
I have been thinking of Pete Seeger also.....
The earliest instruments in which banjos are derived from sounds and looks very different from the banjos we know today and come with features that the older instruments didn't have, this is enough to convince me that the banjo is indeed a quintessentially American instrument although with roots stretching all the way to Africa.
BLACK PEOPLE MADE THE BANJO AND MANY MANY THINGS.. THEY WERE JUST ROBBED AND WRITTEN OUT OF THE HISTORY BY RACIST EUROPEANS SO CALLED AMERICANS
great video, i love history and as a new clawhammer player this makes me love the banjo even more....it should be shared and enjoyed by everyone.
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed this video.
Never stop learning. 🥰
This is really lovely. So glad to have been introduced to the banjo's history via this gem of a person.
We are glad you enjoyed this video, Francy. Thank you for learning with us. ❤️
Rhiannon is an amazing musician and, thankfully, a wonderful teacher as well.
This is an excellent video.
R.G THE. Most well spoken musician I've ever heard lectured on musical instruments , she sounded like a professor. Given lecture at at a University. A true gifted talent.
What an amazing documentary! This lady has so many talents.
Rhiannon you have been such an inspiration to me for years, actually since I first started using UA-cam. Can you tell me any more about the Irish roots of the banjo. I am a british women in my 60s and have been playing instruments since I was 5yrs old. but for the first time I have got myself a banjo ( i have always wanted one) and I feel like it is the instrument of my soul. It sings in my heart (if that makes sense) but when I tune it down to the Irish violin tuning this is intensified and for the first time ever song lyrics just come to me while I'm playing (thats a new thing for me). I know that black people have nearly always been part of British society for centuries going back to Roman times, in fact one of our queens, Queen Charlotte, about 200-300 years ago, was a mixed race African princess who married one of our kings. If you can tell me anything about the history of the banjo in Ireland and how it got back to Ireland, would be so amazing. I have been trying to copy the bluegrass tutorials and its not working for me, especially claw hammer, as I have played violin and guitar all my life, I seem to have my own style and rhythm, is that okay?
Fascinating history on the banjo 🪕 I learned something new along the way.
Thank you for such
interesting history,
you are a spiritual
catalyst of hope for
the present and future.
Love & Light to you.
❤️🙏🌻🌅🦋🌟
I just love this. Great job!! My heart is full
Thanks this history brought a tear to my eye! Fascinating that some beautiful things come out of the worst days in history! I really enjoyed this!
Beautifully told. Thank you
Thank you for delivering the truth