CHATHAM, N.Y. -- That "twangy," fast-paced, metallic sound draws so many musicians to the banjo. The sound is so unique that many musicians feel compelled to play it. That sound has a long history.

A new generation of artists have brought African Americans back to the forefront of the banjo scene. Take, for example, Rhiannon Giddens, whom you can hear behind me. Black musicians have been a part ...

Keith Alessi, a former CEO, created a one-man show after a cancer diagnosis gave him one year to live. Alessi credits his survival and happiness to his passion for learning to play the banjo. He ...

Ireland – The conference room at the Old Ground Hotel was crowded with newly assembled musicians and traveling tourists - and 17-year-old musician Flynn Whitmore was a bit nervous. One of the most ...

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with researcher Joe Johnson and musician Jake Blount about the new Library of Congress guide to African American banjo music resources in its collection. A new generation of ...