Rhiannon Giddens (born February 21, 1977) is an American musician. She is known as the lead singer, violinist, banjo player and a founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina Chocolate Drops . As well as a singer, Giddens is a voice coach, multi-instrumentalist, dance caller, graphic artist. . . in short a talented performer of great versatility. She is equally at home crooning torch songs in a smoky bar, accompanying herself on banjo, or singing opera in a sumptuous production.