Who gets to play the banjo in America? episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 11, 2025 · 23 MIN

Who gets to play the banjo in America?

from The Broadside

This past spring, Durham, North Carolina hosted a sprawling roots music festival called Biscuits and Banjos. For the thousands of attendees, it had some similarities to a lot of folk music events around the country. But one major thing set it apart. Nearly every featured performer was Black.The event is just one part of a Black folk music revival sweeping the country that's rescuing lost traditions and challenging stereotypes that for generations have influenced things like who gets to play the banjo in America.This episode is part of a collaboration between WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio and WPLN-Nashville Public Radio.Featuring:Jewly Hight, senior music writer at Nashville Public Radio - WPLNRhiannon Giddens, musician and member of Carolina Chocolate DropsDom Flemons, musician and member of Carolina Chocolate DropsBrandi Waller-Pace, musician and scholarKaia Kater, musician and member of New DangerfieldLinks:You can find a transcript of the episode here.The Broadside is made possible by contributions from listeners like you. Support WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio and this podcast by making a donation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Black folk revival is sweeping the country and challenging long-lasting stereotypes about traditional American music.

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Who gets to play the banjo in America?

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This episode was published on September 11, 2025.

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This past spring, Durham, North Carolina hosted a sprawling roots music festival called Biscuits and Banjos. For the thousands of attendees, it had some similarities to a lot of folk music events around the country. But one major thing set it apart....

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