Musician Rhiannon Giddens on the History of the Banjo (and a musical demonstration!)

Award-winning Musician, Singer-songwriter, Playwright, and Historian Rhiannon Giddens, with Award-winning Singer, Songwriter, and Activist Allison Russell, discusses the history of the banjo and banjo music in America, including a musical demonstration.
Rhiannon Giddens appeared at The Connecticut Forum in conversation with Allison Russell on October 14, 2022.

[@WoodswomanWrites]

Rhiannon and Allison, thank you for your stories keeping the songs and traditional banjo styles alive, for telling the truth about where the music came from and tying it all to the present day, for sharing uplifting music that black slaves and their descendants created despite their own tragic circumstances. For your musical talents, your wisdom, your courage, your integrity, your joy, and being incredible human beings, I am so thankful that you are both in this world.

[@Michael-rh7ie]

I love the fact that Rhiannon can simply accept that this beautiful music is from a melting pot of cultures... the journey had its rough points but the destination ! That's Sensational !

[@bobjames5264]

Great demonstration. I wish she would’ve discussed her particular banjo more, as it’s different from most in that it seems to be fretless. But I suppose I can go elsewhere for information of that depth. 😊

[@ashludd2970]

Is there somewhere i can watch this whole chat?

[@clawhammer704]

I think the Africans got the banjo idea from the Arabs.

[@77Creation]

You think that, sure.

[@shlomofreeman]

It definitely did not. It was created by enslaved black folks. Now, thats not to say that the Arabs don't have an instrument that resembles the banjo, but the banjo was an instrument born out of necessity and innovation of enslaved blacks.

[@illijah]

More than likely the other way around