Inspired by long-lost folk melodies, gospel, opera and bluegrass, the electrifying singer and banjo player gives fresh voice to old American traditions Justin Davidson Giddens with her beloved cherry, ...

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. A handmade, wooden crank toy in the ...

Banjo maker Jim Hartel shows us old banjos and plays the minstrel tune "Jim Along Josie." Banjo maker Jim Hartel shows us old banjos, derived from instruments made by African slaves, plays the ...

Charlie Weber | Media Director, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Rhiannon Giddens is joined by Canadian-American musician-songwriter Allison Russell (Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago), ...

If there's any instrument in the quiver of American music that can simultaneously summon heartbreak, salvation and joy, it just might be the banjo. It's a simple mechanism of hoop, animal skin, neck ...

Beyoncé's surprise new country album has kicked open the saloon doors to a new audience. While this may not be Beyoncé's first rodeo when it comes to country music, people are now exploring the genre ...