Sponsored By
 
Rhiannon Giddens with Yo-Yo Ma: “Build a House”
 
The songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist releases a powerful new song on the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, with accompaniment from cello master Yo-Yo Ma.
By: Dan Gabel
June 19, 2020

Rhiannon Giddens has long been a powerful force in the roots music community as a songwriter, singer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist. She is a founding member of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, who celebrate the long history of black string-band music while propelling it forward, and as a prolific solo artist. Last year, she debuted a new project with fellow banjo-wielding songwriters Amythyst Kiah, Allison Russell and Leyla McCalla called Songs of our Native Daughtersan album of originals and interpretations of songs that shine a bright light on the lives of African-American women in the 1700s and 1800s. 

Today, on the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, Rhiannon Giddens released a new song called “Build a House,” with the great Yo-Yo Ma accompanying her on cello. 

From Rhiannon’s remarks on social media:”This song came knocking about a week ago and I had to open the door and let it in. What can I say about what’s been happening, what has happened, and what is continuing to happen, in this country, in the world? There’s too many words and none, all at once. So I let the music speak, as usual. What a thing to mark this 155th anniversary of Juneteenth with that beautiful soul Yo-Yo Ma. Honored to have it out in the world.”

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865, two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to end the Civil War, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas and informed slaves in that area that they were free and the war was over. 

Related Back Room Posts
Joe K. Walsh Bruce Molsky  

Joe K. Walsh and Bruce Molsky: “Solly’s Little Favorite”

Watch an exclusive Peghead Nation video of our mandolin and fiddle instructors playing a great old-time tune at Wintergrass 2022.

Read More

 

Brittany Haas and Bruce Molsky: “John Brown’s Dream”

Two Peghead Nation fiddle instructors play an old-time favorite during the Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival.

Read More

 

Bruce Molsky with Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno: “Train on the Island”/“Texas Sally Ann”

Bruce takes to the porch to play two traditional favorites with old-time/country guitarist and songwriter Vivian Leva and multi-instrumentalist Riley Calcagno.

Read More

Watkins Family Hour  

Watkins Family Hour: “Hop High”

Sara and Sean Watkins play a killer version of a traditional favorite.

Read More

Joe K. Walsh Bruce Molsky  

Joe K. Walsh and Bruce Molsky: “Walk Along John to Kansas”

Exclusive Peghead Nation video of our mandolin and fiddle instructors playing a great old-time tune at Wintergrass 2022.

Read More

Scott Nygaard  

Scott Nygaard: “Where to Now?” | 25th Anniversary of “Dreamer’s Waltz”

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Peghead Nation co-founder Scott Nygaard’s influential solo album, Wednesday, May 25 on Zoom.

Read More

Mr Sun  

Mr Sun: “Blackbird” | Peghead Nation Exclusive

The virtuosic four-piece showcases their playful arrangement of a Beatles classic, which they also recorded on their new album “Extrovert.”

Read More

Lissa Schneckenburger  

Lissa Schneckenburger: “Lady Walpole‘s” / “The Mountain Ranger” / “Nancy King”

Peghead Nation’s new ear training instructor plays three great New England fiddle tunes, with tenor guitar accompaniment.

Read More

Mr Sun  

Mr Sun: ”Farewell Trion”

The virtuosic string band plays an old-time favorite during the Wintergrass Festival.

Read More

John Reischman  

John Reischman: ”Horses of Dorrigo”

Peghead Nation Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays a new tune off of his latest album, “New Time and Old Acoustic.”

Read More

 
Sponsored By
 
 
 
Peghead Partners
 
Shubb Violet Sky C1vs 50th Anniversary Edition
A beautifully etched capo with a lush finish and iridescent hardware, celebrating 50 years of creating the worlds” finest capos.
 
 
 
 
 
  Follow Us:  
 
  About Us       Shop         Support         Contact Us         Email Sign up         Advertise         Sitemap         FAQ         Privacy         Terms         Subscribe   Sign In  
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com
 
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com