Code Switch

B.A. Parker is learning the banjo

Jan 29, 2025
Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning singer and banjo player, shares her journey in reclaiming the banjo's Black heritage. The conversation dives into the rich cultural significance of the banjo in Black music and the personal narratives of those learning the instrument. Giddens emphasizes the importance of community and cultural stewardship among Black banjo players. They discuss the instrument's historical roots, the emotional ties to African American experiences, and the need to navigate identity within a predominantly white music scene.
Ask episode
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes