Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy Award-winning American musician, singer, songwriter, and banjoist whose work fearlessly explores the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to early American music. Best known as a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens has since forged a successful solo career, blending folk, blues, country, and opera to create a powerful and historically rich sound. She is a passionate advocate for musical equity and utilizes her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and reinterpret traditional narratives, solidifying her place as a vital figure in contemporary American roots music.