Songs that bring history to life | Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens pours the emotional weight of American history into her music. Listen as she performs traditional folk ballads — including "Waterboy," "Up Above My Head," and "Lonesome Road" by Sister Rosetta Tharp — and one glorious original song, "Come Love Come," inspired by Civil War-era slave narratives.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[diannevandivier]

How can ANYONE not be moved by her music, her voice, her musicianship, her talent?

[JamesCordillio]

What a treasure never in my 77yrs have i witnessed versatility just pure godly energy.
Amen. We are privileged to have her in our mist.

[digibeli]

Rhiannon Giddens is Legendary. Mercy, what gifts. What command. What presence. Thank you, Ms. Giddens. Your historical work is a treasure chest.

[joedurant]

Rhiannon Giddens always gets into my mind, heart and soul. She is an American treasure.

[paulradcliffe]

Rhiannon would get my vote as vocalist of the year in so many catagories: Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Ragtime.Her vocal range is so wide, and she sings with such power and passion.Truly amazing.

[carlruf]

She is one beautiful and talented lady. I like the fact she reaches across all barriers to bring appreciation to Americana music, whether it be African, Soul, Original Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, or Historical Folk music (both the white and black cultures). She is a complete entertainer (vocally and instrumentally). Loved when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

[ChronicChristy]

She makes an excellent point in that it is not enough to acknowledge slavery was terrible without humanizing the stories and the lives that were sold, beaten, raped & killed. It is easy to have an academic understanding of something without having an emotional understanding. We cannot prevent systemic injustices from reoccurring if do not recognize the individual tragedies!!!

[RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards]

We need to consider ourselves lucky to be living in the same generation as Rhiannon Giddens . She brings History to Life. She's channeling a time that we should all take note & realize we all play a part. I love her, thank you Rhiannon Giddens .

[paulgleitman]

Those who give her a “thumbs down “ are out and out fools.
She’s magnificent.
Multi- talented .

[HobbitandTippi]

You can't listen to Rhiannon and her fellow band members without the music touching your soul. It is spiritual, it is educational, but mostly it really binds you to the experience being retold, and also what has carried into today.

[chinkeebiao]

Her storytelling by singing is enlightening! I wish history was taught like the way she does it.

[opusBillTheCat]

Every note that Rhiannon Giddens' magnificent voice wails hits me in my emotions. I feel the music, my soul weeps through the pain she portrays and its warmed by by her effervescence in songs of love and hope.

[rhondadavis]

A true walking breathing piece of art and history. She is amazing.

[barbarabranch]

Yesterday saw her in video filmed in a parking lot with 3 string musicians somewhere in the US, this morning a video in a concert with a full classical orchestra somewhere in France and now this performance. The woman is absolutely AMAZING!!!! 😍😍

[phyllis]

Heard Rihanna a few days ago. She performed with the Orlando Philharmonic. You couldn't hear a pin drop in the theater. What a voice! I will never forget her.

[elvanmcm]

Rhiannon Giddens is a national treasure!

[gillygil]

Every time I see this young lady I am more and more impressed. I just can't say that of most people. Oh my goodness! What a voice! I had to edit this response. This is ministry. God bless you and yours Rhiannon.

[cornshucker]

What a fantastic voice. Her intensity and passion are amazing. Love her.

[drwills]

Probably one of the strongest catalysts out there for storytelling the awesome legacy of American Folk music. Love you.

[Wendalore]

This month, May 2019, The New Yorker has an amazing LONG article about Rhiannon Giddens. Not just about her music, all KINDS of things about her life. You will love it, if you like her! The cover of the magazine has two beings walking their dogs. One of the beings is human and one, robot. One of the dogs is real and one is a robot.