Rhiannon Giddens - Wayfaring Stranger

Rhiannon Giddens preforms Wayfaring Stranger on the BBC Northern Ireland programme also conveniently called Wayfaring Stranger.

[@johnoz1978]

I am a million years old and I hate bloody technology. I have just realised that without it I would never of heard this amazing lady. Totally breathtaking in every way.

[@gertweber157]

that ugly thing - we use to call it 'dialectics' ...

[@patrickgleason2066]

Just the voice and a very simple accompaniment. So beautiful!

[@raydavison4288]

Me too, John. Me too.

[@annefee1413]

❤️

[@Pashspoms]

Lol, I'm three quarters a million years old and I agree!!

[@portcullis5622]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written, sung by one of the finest and most soulful singers in the business. Doesn't really get much better than this.

[@baillar100]

Precisely!

[@BernieMittens]

Except it originated in the 19th century, and has been copied numerous times. Great examples are Cash and Emmy Lou Harris.

[@rebeccagray2443]

Agreed !

[@portcullis5622]

Yes, I know that it is a taditional hymn, covered by many modern artists. I said it was one of the most beautiful songs ever written; the fact that it was written in the 19th century as a hymn (and I aren't religious) merely confirms the fact that it is a wonderful song.

[@YewrMan]

Portcullis Rhiannon's version is more than wonderful.

[@sethcragan6908]

Her choice to stay on one chord the entire song is quite honestly on of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. It becomes such a haunting song. I absolutely love how she plays that fretless bango. She is a treasure.

[@Christian-my4dp]

Listen to Rhiannon play her original song “Julie”. Truly haunting

[@ronobrien7187]

I had to listen again to realize this. An amazing touch on the song and a nice pick up by you.

[@thomasbrown3325]

The accordion is playing the harmony for her.

[@monoped8437]

less, is more

[@anjou6497]

Yes. One fret songs also go way back to the original blues. A tin can with just cat gut strings didnt stop the most beautiful, moving sound. 👍

[@carriereaves719]

My mother wanted this played at her funeral and I had it played. There was not a dry eye during the entire service. I still sob when I hear this.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I cried when I read this. I hope your mother rests in peace.

[@soulvaccination8679]

It is a song for the strong but lonely soul.

[@АнатолийКоротич-д4с]

Easy ways for your mom...

[@masercot]

Made me tear-up just listening...

[@joncoleman9706]

Johnny Cash does an amazing version of this song also.

[@danielsouth9212]

Remember, before we split it into "Rock”, “R&B”, “Country”, and whatever other label we put on it, American music came from a blending of cultures. It came from Scotts and Irish folk, it came from African rhythms instruments and chord structure, it came from Latin syncopation and arrangements. I love to hear an artist put it all back together.

[@danielsouth9212]

Oh, absolutely. And, bands like Volbeat and Katzenjammer are bringing it back around full circle.

[@danielsouth9212]

Sometimes, here in the US a few people take divisions (musical genre, social status, or ancestry) far too seriously. That's why I so love seeing those same divisions taken back down.

[@darthmusturd9526]

Konstantin Ridaya Otava yo is Russian, but you can hear how it influenced bluegrass

[@AndromedaCripps]

A beautiful sentiment.

[@itsokaytobeclownpilled5937]

Civic nationalist much? There was no Latin or African rhythm in the beginning years of America. You’re pushing communism with your revisionist BS.

[@pbohearn]

I sang this acapella as my fathers body was lowered into the ground. My goodbye. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get through it. And then I realize it was an about me but about honoring him. And I got through it. RIP Leo.

[@TokyoBlue587]

that's beautiful. What a loving tribute to your father.

[@jeffj318]

Patrick Oh What a loving song to sing. Your heart must have been breaking at the same time.

[@Cosmic__Radiation]

Very sad, but beautiful at the same time.

[@christopherterry9114]

lol

[@connierios9436]

I'm sorry for your loss. But what an amazing tribute. You're a credit to your father's memory & legacy. May you RIP Leo! & may you find solace in such an honoring, Patrick Oh!

[@richardcox6935]

I from the North GA hills and this the best version of this I've EVER heard. This Gal looks and sings like an Angel.

[@juliannaosman2365]

This is stunning. I can't believe I've only just discovered this woman

[@keithlamphere]

same - she's so incredible!

[@dragon53777]

It was random for me but yeah.....I was blown away.

[@Ring0fSaturn]

Both her albums, Tomorrow Is My Turn and Freedom Highway, are worth owning. We need to support artists like her, artists with integrity.

[@portcullis5622]

Very well said!

[@monkkeylover123]

Same hear. Incredible!

[@johnandrews7322]

Shout out to the legendary Phil Cunningham on accordion!

[@davidbrett1970]

the uncredited Phil Cunningham 🤨 Does a great job, keeps it low key (no pun intended), acting as a counterfoil to the single chord banjo playing

[@addisonmartin3700]

yes, he really understands that sometimes less is more

[@hoborock007]

it's been said ... you can't play a sad song on the banjo and the same's been said about the accordion .... wrong - both times

[@wendigolycan]

Literally no one ever...

[@giaosplinter]

U only need to listen to David Eugene Edwards play to know it can sound sad

[@donjose6674]

Nobody ever said that

[@mrs.blueonion]

this accordeaon player cab play everything, also this sad song because his name is Phil Cunningham from Scotland!

[@charlescordite3751]

Don Jose I have heard it a thousand times. You need to get out more often.

[@robinlogan8099]

I’ve just discovered Rhiannon & am enchanted. A wonderful rendition of a beautiful song. 🇨🇦

[@aldenheterodyne2833]

I would say "welcome to the club" but you posted this a year ago. How have her beautiful songs been treating you? For me personally, she makes me cry a lot.

[@robinlogan8099]

@@aldenheterodyne2833 , speaks to my soul. ❤️

[@bigogarland7325]

My friend who I grew up with, Billy Constable played banjo and guitar with Doc Watson and many others. Doc Watson was our neighbor. Both went over Jordan , now. Thank you for this Rhiannon.

[@mikewilliams2687]

Ya, NC and other appalachian states have turned out some unique and awesome talents...love me some Doc as well. and Ricky Skaggs on anything with strings.

[@franksabatino7576]

Rhiannon's clear, beautiful voice, the spare banjo and accordion, make this song perfect. And make a nonbeliever want to believe. Here is a true artist, whose integrity, courage, and humility have their own voice, quiet but undeniable. She has been added to my list of cultural treasures.

[@patrickcolvin4478]

Rhiannon has one of the purest voices that I have heard ☘️☘️☘️

[@tomminton5512]

With her beauty and talent she could easily be a pop star making millions. I love that she plays the music she loves.

[@mikegoldberg5261]

I think she'd like to be a pop star if she could do it without any compromise of her vision. If any roots musician is capable of doing that in today's America, it would probably be her.

[@nancychiavetta1351]

She's a professionally trained opera singer, which she loved, but gave it up because it didn't fit her vision. I think she's right where she wants to be.

[@mamagugan6158]

This will be played at my funeral....

[@matthewkeeley4479]

Rhiannon Giddens has brought the history of Minstrel and traditional string bands to the forefront by talent and by training. Years of performing with family and bands i.e Carolina Chocolate Drops; nominated and awarded an Emmy. She is also a graduate of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; Studies of Vocal Opera Oberlin Conservatory. I wish her decades of performing and continuing the expression of many musical paths.

[@Bubbles99718]

Her insane hotness might have a bit to do with it as well.

[@casaamaril]

She's a marvel, so talented and genuine. Never knew about the math and sciences, that only adds to her scope.

[@zombiewulfgrld6055]

Wow! My sister went to Oberlin many years ago f/her undergrad. Not often I hear that name. Always cool when I do. My visit there as a young teen was eye-opening. Just like finding my new Bluegrass hero. Keeping porch music alive!!

[@Syllogyzym]

She's a very cool woman. My mom also went from the School of Science of Math to Oberlin, and sees her around at reunions.

[@themermaidstale5008]

I read a lot of War of the Roses and Tudor medieval historical fiction and think about minstrels and players a lot.

[@dailiesxo9911]

This was my grandfathers favourite song - he will be gone two years Friday. Hearing her sing this gives me some comfort.

[@boah1668]

So glad there is someone like ths beautiful woman out there in the world still giving us the true music.

[@melindashannon1015]

This gives me goosebumps. Yes - Rhiannon's cover is that good - and I've heard hundreds of versions.

[@mikegoldberg5261]

Hundreds of versions? Yikes. I guess you're heard Red Molly's version?

[@nixieman1]

Rhiannon Giddens has the one of the finest voices since Sandy Denny. She is purely wonderful. But what about the gentleman next to her in the video. It is always great to see Phil Cunningham.

[@portcullis5622]

I agree. Wonderful. Sandy Denny, Rhiannon Giddens and Natalie Merchant (who also recorded a beautiful version of this song) are the three female voices that move me the most.

[@craniifer]

I love Natalie Merchant, but I never heard her version. I'll have to look into that.

[@portcullis5622]

It is on Natalie Merchant's 'House Carpenter's Daughter' folk album, released in 2003. It is on KZbin, though several of the videos that people had uploaded appear to have been removed.

[@jaiwalker5335]

Wow - that is Phil! Thanks for noting him.

[@maryplaidy6814]

nixieman1 She's almost as good as Emmylou Harris.

[@blueboyjournal]

Your voice floors me, buries me, excavates me from a dense loam, and leaves me uprooted in the sun

[@236260]

Man, you do it justice with your words.

[@timothywilliams2252]

Old hillbilly, here... this was so beautiful, I'm (literally) in tears! I've been a fan of Rhiannon Giddens, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, for quite some time, now... I never though anyone could top Emmylou on this song, but, now it's arguable

[@timnsheilaconrad2321]

Beautiful voice and very moving song

[@beckyjordan1675]

I am a poor wayfaring stranger Traveling through this world alone There is no sickness, toil nor danger In that fair land to which I go I'm goin' home to meet my mother I'm goin' home, no more to roam I am just goin' over Jordan I am just goin' over home I know dark clouds will gather round me I know my way is rough and steep But golden fields lie out before me Where river deep will never see I'm goin' home to meet my mother I'm goin' home, no more to roam I am just goin' over Jordan I am just goin' over home I am just goin’ over home I am just goin’ over home

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Oh my word! This is heartwrenchingly beautiful. The accordianist is beautifully contrasted.

[@dolcefarniente8768]

The accordianist is Phil Cunningham, one of Scotland's best musicians.

[@johnmc3862]

Under used.

[@banjohero1182]

@@dolcefarniente8768 thanks, wanted to know who he was

[@melodytenisch6232]

That voice carries it's own! Gosh how incredibly beautiful it is! Thanks for sharing.🙏🎶🐦🌹👵

[@dancochrane617]

Beautiful brilliant voice and excellent choice of songs If you don’t like this you have something wrong

[@valerierechel8097]

OK, ...introduced to this with Jack White from Cold Mountain. Really loved it but this version is also so, so good. Both so good 😌. You pick.

[@Drinkdrinkdrinkdrink]

Iv listened to at least 30 different versions of this song but THIS BY FAR is the most amazing version Iv ever heard It’s haunting and beautiful and i always come back to THIS one

[@IdealDanl]

Aye, Giddens is transcendent. A suggestion for another really good interpretation, kzbin.info/www/bejne/apPZi2CNeNCLfac (HBO is a Norwegian group, one of a number in Oslo that has become a hotbed of Americana; go figure)

[@mikegoldberg5261]

It's Rhiannon Giddens, that's kind of all you need to say. The versions by Red Molly and Hayde are also powerful to me.

[@blueckaym]

I've two favorite versions - this and Longest Johns' one.

[@nedramm3033]

Totally agree. I’ve listen that song for over 70 years and it is the best I’ve heard.

[@lf5438]

Chieftains do a great version too.

[@tonycarey9731]

What a voice! Perfect for this renditioning.

[@richardalester9635]

I have heard a hundred versions of this song over the years, but this one has tears running down my face. Beautiful.

[@pputnam100]

Check out Jo Stafford's version

[@rnsnbrmpf]

I can sing it with Johnny Cash and others. But with this version, my throat is closed and tears are coming! Rhiannon got the soul for this song! ❤

[@pauledwards3992]

Rhiannon has I believe the purest , most beautiful female voice in music right now. I have several of her solo CDS and with Carolina chocolate drops and this musician is the real deal. Extremely talented banjo player , singer songwriter. I have nothing but utmost respect for her. She's been a big influence on my own songwriting and banjo and guitar playing. Thanks for the you tube rhiannon.

[@stephaniestephanie617]

I’d like to see her duet with kd lang

[@dmsentra]

But Rebekka Nilsson is the one that gives me chills singing this song.

[@dawnpenner847]

WOW, gave me shivers so Beautiful

[@brt-jn7kg]

I didn't even know she existed till I watched the PBS Ken Burns special about country music. All I can say is.....WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronnieorsak9132]

My son passed away 1year and 7 months ago you make me smile again. With a thousand smiles. Old man

[@snowdirt62]

73 year old man here. I too lost a son. He was 18. Amen brother. Ken, on the hudson river

[@cassylow9418]

I have plenty of versions of this song..... But none of have made me tear up as hers has just done 😢❤️

[@davidallen4183]

I'm showing this video at my wife's funeral.

[@piuvbn]

I'm feeling the joy of discovering something unique!!

[@Kate-Rouh]

I wish I had discovered her a long time ago. Her voice and her picking are wonderful.

[@MFM230]

I heard Rhiannon in an interview on "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross on Juneteenth, 2020, and I cannot get this woman's music out of my head--and heart, for listening to her brings me to tears.

[@craigfarnham268]

I must’ve missed that episode- thanks for mentioning it, I’m definitely going to look it up!!

[@cestmoi5702]

Me too! Gonna find it now!! 🙏🏾

[@donnavaughn9409]

she reminds me of the joan baez record with a white background I had in 1970

[@lovefeist3136]

@@donnavaughn9409 Any Day Now

[@rainforme1850]

She sings the language of the soul

[@patriciafriedson8860]

this is amazing, thank you. You touch our hearts and souls so purely, so deeply. Thank you.

[@stevevice4991]

Sometimes a song and a singer come together and it makes us realize what music is all about. A perfect arrangement brought together by the perfect singer. I am just blown away by this.

[@jeroenvandend]

that's the wierd part for me this version was a hit an miss for me, beautifully sung but lacking the 'right emotion' imho

[@sylvainpinna1203]

I'm a French muscian... Just wanna say Waou. Amazing. Full of emotions. Better cover of this song !

[@marielucier7982]

Very beautiful song and voice.

[@aquiram8719]

the trailer for 1917 brought me here. this is not the version they used in the trailer, but man! this is still good.

[@MrChristoferoful]

Right here with you ;)

[@sharonthompson7557]

It’s absolutely brilliant! Different from the movie rendition, which is as brilliant, but in a different, slightly more haunting way. My dad used to sing it...I cried when I heard it in the film.

[@SuperleggeraV4]

Oh wow really awesome good for you.

[@theonesickman]

I have hears many versions of this and jeez, nothing puts the chills up like this one, simple and perfect

[@sandydundas9787]

The best version ever of this great song. Rhiannon and Phil, great duetting.

[@nickwebb8197]

What a pair pipes on Ms. Giddens. She knows how to use them, too. No oversinging here, thank you-know-who.

[@brojonathanjones5195]

Absolutely beautiful and is as close as I can remember to the way it was sung when I was a boy coming up in Rural Kentucky.

[@catherineabbott6249]

Just curious.... What tuning are you using for your banjo?

[@ronstewart2871]

Well I am new to Rhiannon Giddens...but I won't be for long! What a great singer!!!

[@kenstreet643]

Left me weeping like a baby. Stunning!

[@tamb9729]

Beautiful voice.

[@walterthorne5782]

Thank You, you Spoke to me, nd to even get to share this with friends is a gift . Thunderus applaus, shake the wall , please play it again. thank you nd thank youtube. gifts, Grace heritage.

[@mikehubbard5493]

I've come to deep waters. Rhiannon is deep, dark, and blue, and what a gift.

[@cmfp7894]

Me too brother. Dark, deep waters.

[@paulcantshutup]

A voice like lightning in the dark, or sunshine piercing through on a cloudy day. God. What beauty.

[@TJNorton]

Just beautiful. Rhiannon is one of my favorite modern artists. Love the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

[@badvoodoo404]

T

[@barbkeen1221]

TJ Norton So do I! Heard them on NPR one day and I was hooked!

[@dillinger659]

beautiful version! one out of many but this one gave me goosebumps.

[@rider660r]

Why did I just now come across this beautiful woman and her beautiful music? Holly smokes what one loses out on life not looking around...

[@tommckinnon1005]

Haunting and beautiful. She is a gift to the world.

[@mirapeerance]

It's way more than talent she carries. The Spirit of all her ancestors got together and agreed on her. She carries healing through her beauty, her voice, her skills and her knowledge. People of America, of Africa, Europe and the world don't mistake the meaning of her energy. She's here for all of us and that takes a lot of courage too.

[@rainforme1850]

Way better than the trash that’s in the radio

[@betteramwthanbmw]

Still impressive in 2024. Reduced to the essence. Less is here the more.

[@heidimeigs3109]

What a voice! Oh my word! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@mfisher1952]

A powerful, brilliant rendition.

[@TheAcworthdude]

They say Certain People have the voice of a Angel . . I bet Angels wish they could sing like Rhiannon Giddens

[@niseach]

Fantastic! What a voice. Nice to see how moved Phil Cunningham was playing alongside her. She sings some great Scottish stuff, as well an interesting takes on 'puirt-a-beul'.

[@troynov1965]

I have heard many renditions of this song but i think this one tops them all........it literally brings tears to my eyes. I think this is what I will play at my funeral.

[@melanieroyal3508]

Wow! Unbelievable! I’m Actually in tears. It looks like the man beside her is as well!

[@GeorgeStar]

Hauntingly beautiful! A lament on the tragedy of life.

[@Ymirson999]

Never heard of Rhiannon Giddens before, ever, but after hearing her put forth the first syllable in this song, she now has a new fan.

[@sistertracy-thechurchofroc6574]

She's amazing.

[@DeepCrossing1]

A traditional Socttish melody, travelled the ocean to America, and found it's way back again, hundreds of years later. This music has living history. Kind of amazing when you think about it.

[@maideegirl189]

So it's actually a Scottish song?

[@DeepCrossing1]

@@maideegirl189 I think according to the full documentary, if I remember correctly yes, it migrated from Scotland to Northern Ireland, then to America.

[@maideegirl189]

The Scotch- Irish as they quaintly call themselves.... Those in N. Ireland know themselves as British/Loyalists 😊.

[@TheTryzzia]

God, what a beautiful voice.

[@nellyt2807]

Stunning vocals

[@FreemanPresson]

Apparently, "if unsure how a traditional song should sound, check with Rhiannon Giddens" is a good rule of thumb.

[@Doc_Tar]

Ken Burn's "Country" documentary interviewed Giddens often but failed to include her music. I'm glad to see it posted here.

[@RedTileServices]

Purposeful; the timeline covered in the doc ends with Johnny Cash's death (1996?). Her interviews are relevant to the roots of country.

[@Hogprint25]

He didn’t feature any artists past the millennium it appears. The last show had pictures of newer artists but the cut off seems to be ‘99-‘00...

[@DavidTransformer]

Saw Rhiannon last night in Glasgow. Awesome talent with a voice to die for. Great night.

[@ajeje1996]

Such a powerful performance with such a stripped down melody

[@-GuitarZero]

She's a freaking treasure to music.

[@Krog12354]

It is amazing how this woman can touch your soul!

[@brendamontero7348]

This is my first time hearing this. It is a Beautiful song, beautifully sung. A very unique rendition.

[@johnnyparker9928]

The accordion player is AWESOME! Note the soulful look of grief on his weathered face as he skilfully follows his heartfelt notes. This music is gripping.

[@anitaholladay2389]

One of the best: Phil Cunningham. Look for videos under his own name as well as Highland Sessions and Transatlantic Sessions. He is appropriately subdued here, but he's a virtuoso.

[@1earflapping]

He has also written some beautiful songs.

[@toepetal5pink244]

So clear, pure, and like water flows with grace, love it, thank you, bless us all.

[@RasMajnouni]

My father who didn't have the best voice used to sing this song and a few others to me in bed at night. I felt angels.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

What an amazing she has! So moving.

[@harrisongrass]

What a pure, sweet voice!!!

[@michaelcouch1071]

Who are these 500 people who disliked this? What's wrong with them?

[@truthismyfriend4196]

The sincerity here is direct and penetrating. Without knowing why, some people can be troubled by sensing they're lacking something, while an affected performance they would approve.

[@margaretgibb7828]

I’m going to Rhiannon’s concert next week in Edinburgh. Cant wait second time I will have seen her in person. At age 73 I’m a late fan but think she’s amazing.

[@gynack]

The number of great performance i find of this gorgeous song keeps growing: Doc Watson (whose was the first version I heard); Hayde, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Eddie Arnold, Rhiannon, and most recently for me - Eva Cassidy acoustic and non-acoustic. All super versions. At the moment, Eva's non-acoustic version from her "Songbird" album is definitely my favourite. It has a completely different, both jazzy and hot gospel feel to it.

[@marcosargen3729]

Great cover!

[@goodwintrent4453]

Beautiful, subtile accompaniment by Phil Cunningham on accordion. Phil is a master of traditional British Isles music.

[@andrewhay8955]

Superbly put

[@badger1296]

Banjo and a squeezebox?, it seems like the beginning of a "perfect pitch" joke. ❤Marvelous performance

[@gizmo5817]

Thank you Ken Burns. I had not heard of Rhiannon until I watched the first episode of his series on Country Music.

[@clos5700]

Gizmo581 same

[@guitarmatricide4834]

Me too. She had a lot of great, incisive remarks to add too.

[@mikewilliams2687]

We tried to keep her selfishly in NC, but she was far too great for that, LOL

[@grannydyess]

Exceptional talented singer

[@denisenadeau5243]

just beautiful

[@phillipbautista204]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

Rhiannon sure knows how to pack a WHOLE LOT of emotion into one song, doesn’t she?

[@tonyheller4714]

Lovely, simple, and direct performances by Rhiannon and Phil Cunningham, vocally and instrumentally, on a much beloved song! Bravo!

[@filterinfrank]

There's a version of this song by them both on an Irish RTE - The Tommy Tiernan Show recently. Even better if you can imagine that. Beautiful.

[@joannthomas8879]

Beautiful!