Rhiannon Giddens on African American Contributions to Music | Amanpour and Company

“The conflict of the south, from the very beginning, is keeping all the working class people at each other’s throats through the invention of race.” Wow, powerful statement of how we must stay united and not divided. I have so much respect for Rhiannon Giddens. Her immensely deep knowledge of music history is truly a pleasure to hear her speak about, it’s her life’s passion.

She's a national treasure! She's great!

she is right; her musically studies should be studied nationally. What a wonderful scholar and artist. Thank you so much.

Life long North Carolinian here. I grew up listening to old time string band music. Filled the rooms in our house. We are very proud to Rhiannon one of ours.

A truly American treasure. What a gift to have Rhiannon bringing musicology to life and keeping traditions deep and soulful...really glad I discovered her music...

Thank you Rhiannon. I'm 59, from Ga. and I love to learn. Thanks for educating me on more music history. You are a great teacher.

Ms Giddens is a truly beautiful, talented woman whose music has given me so much pleasure since I first discovered her a few years ago. I too have a “Civil War” banjo just like the one she played on this video. I found some plans online and scaled them up to full size & built my own. It has that cello like warm, deep sound. Nothing remotely like a modern Bluegrass banjo. I also made some from gourds, just like those early African instruments. I wish her every success on her journey through life, she’s truly inspirational 👏👏👏.

Rhiannon's high cheek bones appeal to her Native American blood. She's a Warrior Goddess, equiped with a plethora of musical history and experience. Rhiannon is a courageous purpose driven and energetic historian. Compassion, transparency, integrity and accountability for all!

I really do appreciate the respectful way of sharing the history she has learned. I find it excruciatingly painful that people can be subjected to such manipulation that it causes generation after generation devastation, death and the loss of history and contributions.

Just learned of Miss Giddens today. I think everything I've heard from her is wonderful – not just music but ideas. Miss Giddens takes on racism in a very non-racist way. I applaud her wisdom. I think Miss Giddens will be an instrument of peace.

Amazing person and one of the best musicians ever.

Her talents are beyond amazing. Her voice is so strong, and I've been researching which banjo to get because of her. Absolutely love the music she makes.

Blessed are the Peacemakers ..... Rhiannon has Forgiving Loving Heart.... Through Art Music Theater=Creativity a Way Forward= Healing Trauma ReCover the Narrative History Banjo = Everybody wanna go to heaven, but don’t nobody wanna die.” Go Through the Eye of the Needle ... Change of Heart...Change of Manners Drinking Green Tea the War Stops ... .

She’s amazing 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

I am fascinated from this woman

Thank you Youtube algorithm. I discovered another wonderful person today.

I am in love with this amazing woman and her music!

Great definition of minstrelsy! And her description of her mixed race. Love her!

When I listen to Rhiannon Giddens sing and play I feel strongly that the music was not meant for me to hear. It is from a certain place, time and was created for the souls of a certain few. I have heard and enjoyed hearing at least some of this music played by others and never felt that way. Her respect has set her apart from how and why others play the same tunes. At the same time I feel she is so proud and invites me to listen to her being so real with this music. Thank you for sharing.

I absolutely love this lady ❤ I’ve learned so much about the roots of the banjo as well as black history Just in this interview alone but what strikes me most about her is her calm demeanor. A truly enlightened, loving, service to others soul ❤ Much love 💗 From Alaska