History, the good and the bad, is just that, history. It's important to remember as it was, learn from it, celebrate the good, improve on the bad. Remembering can be painful, but shouldn't be a source of hate for any race of people. None of us are our ancestors. We should be able to talk about the past without it affecting how we treat each other now. No two people are alike, differences can be celebrated along with our similarity. We all humans, we all can be good and bad. We need to love one another. Music should definitely be a part of that!

"Merrywhang / Merry-Whang" - what a brilliant name! Rhiannon Giddens is a musical genius. Look after her, America!
Who are those 18 soulless, miserable, benighted oafs who gave this clip the thumbs down?

The inclusion of, “no more the moon shines on Lorena,” jig at the beginning is immaculate!

I had the pleasure of meeting Rhiannon years ago in Montreal at a Carolina Chocolate Drops show. Such an amazingly talented person and super nice and down to earth. Got to meet Don Flemmons too, that guy is rad!

We have a group of old style music players who hold one foot forward to signal the near end of a song. I saw Mrs. Rhiannon doing this near her playing out. Maybe I can get as good one day!!! Skill and talent !! She is the best.

Ms. Giddens' matter-of-fact view of history without editorializing is especially refreshing.  I would bet her feelings run deep about the issues of slavery and mimicking black people, abut she is able to rein it in and talk matter-of-factly about the subject, all the while so coolly and beautifully performing a period piece music art.

Thank you. Your singing gives me goosebumps!

You guys are both National treasures! Love your work.

It blows my mind at least once a day when i look at my little washburn and re-realize what an absolute taproot the banjo is in so much of this country's history, and how much of a living allegory it is for so many seemingly-unrelated things.

I think it is interesting that the CiTonga word for guitar is Banjo

Wow,you have opened my eyes, mmm, ears,to a beautiful music, such a cool banjo sound and beautiful voice

I love the banjo! Americana is a very interesting story. It's also impossible to ignore the tragedies as they show up in subtle ways. I saw Snoop Dogg doing a native American dance at the super bowl half time show. That show was a peice of Americana that could take you down a whole rabbit hole. Just like Ms Gidden's "Julie"

Outstanding! Thank you for posting this wonderful early African/American musical fusion story and it’s ongoing evolution. Love Rhiannon Giddens too! 👍🏼💫

Rhiannon is beautiful and a great musician no doubt.

After the Chocolate Drops split up (to my great regret), I met Dom Flemons’ drummer in a bar one evening. Bought him all his drinks that night just because of his connection to greatness.

Thanks, beautiful music that’s healing the world. So right on so many levels.

Hey Yeah !! I am so glad somehow Rhionna's videos showed up in my feed . History, songs, jammin' banjo licks , beautiful voice !!! Blessed we are !!And she's really got it going on !! 😍👏💜

Beautiful Lady , brilliant player , awesome instruments :-)

Mr. Hartel, thank you for being part of this a very well done piece.  Rhiannon .... 💓🎶〰

incredible love of music, respect of the history and talent beyond measure