Limerick-based musician wins Grammy Award for Best Folk
The University of Limerick has sent congratulations to singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, who is Artist-in-Residence at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, after winning Best Folk Album at Sunday’s Grammy Awards evening.
Ms Giddens, from North Carolina, won the award for her album They call me homewritten with his partner Francesco Turrisi.
We’re in Santa Fe with @NashvilleBallet and so excited to hear that our ode to love and loss, They’re Calling Me Home, recorded by ourselves and Ben Rawlings in Ireland, won the Best Folk Grammy. Much love to all my other fam out there ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/b85TX44IyE
— Rhiannon Giddens (@RhiannonGiddens) April 3, 2022
Rhiannon Giddens, who lives in Limerick and plays banjo, works with music and dance students at UL’s World Academy.
They call me homewhich was recorded with Mr Turrisi and Ben Rawlins at Hellfire Studios, a small studio in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, won the award in a tough category that included Sarah Jarosz, Madison Cunningham, Tyler Childers and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
In a tweet to her 37,700 followers, Ms Giddens said she was so excited to hear that his ode to love and loss received the Best Folk Grammy and sent lots of love to his other family in Ireland.
She is currently in Sante Fe, New Mexico working with Nashville Ballet.
This is her second Grammy win. Giddens and his band Carolina Chocolate Drops also won Best Traditional Folk Album with the album Real Jig Negro in 2010.
The University of Limerick sent its “huge congratulations” to Ms Giddens and expressed its pride in working at UL.
Ms. Giddens has worked at UL for several years, particularly with students in the Songwriting, Traditional Music and Vocal Masters courses, and took up her position as Artist-in-Residence this year.
She is also currently artistic director of the famous Silkroad. Silkroad creates music that engages difference, cultural collaboration, and high-quality arts education to help build inclusivity.
Dr Sandra Joyce, Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, said: “The award is a testament to her artistic vision and incredible work in many different areas of music. She is an incredible asset to us at Irish World Academy and we feel very privileged to have someone of her stature associated with us.
Dr Joyce added: “She’s a really warm person, very devoted to her children and her music. She’s very down to earth and has no air or grace – she’s just as likely to make a music workshop with local children that she is walking on the red carpet!”
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