Folk music contains many artists and musical elements that make it a notable genre of music. One artist in particular, Rhiannon Giddens, is known for her revival of the banjo in her pieces and artistry, and she is an artist that peaked my interest upon learning about Folk music. Elements she incorporates, such as the dynamics of her voice, and the lyrics of her songs, really stick out. In her Tiny Desk Concert, her song “At the Purchaser’s Option” explores the story of a woman from the 1700s who was for sale, and had an infant with her. Her lyrics, “Take my body, you can take my bones, take my blood, but not my soul,” echo the messages of endurance that is also iconic in Folk music. The dynamics of her voice showcase the yearning and pain of the story and stands as a continuing driving force of emotion.
Giddens work brings light to the fact that seeing African Americans in Folk and Bluegrass music should not be a surprising thing, considering the fact that it originated in our heritage. Honestly, that is something I did not know. When I was in New England for the past few years, those who sang Bluegrass were European. Even looking up Folk/Bluegrass music in Google generates White artists. It is important to continue to highlight artists like Giddens, who not only helps us reconnect to our ancestry, but also can be used to educate of the music’s true history.
