Rhiannon Giddens – Hope Is The Thing With Feathers LP

Rhiannon Giddens – Hope Is The Thing With Feathers LP

140 Gram Black Eco-Vinyl • 1LP • 10 Tracks • Nonesuch Records • 2026

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

Hope Is The Thing With Feathers is the 2026 album by acclaimed American singer, songwriter, banjo player and fiddler Rhiannon Giddens. Released on September 18, 2026, through Nonesuch Records, the album celebrates the beauty of people coming together and finding strength through music and community.

A Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, Giddens is widely recognised for her exploration of the African American roots of folk, banjo music and traditional American musical styles. Her work brings together influences from Americana, blues, gospel, bluegrass and old-time string band music.

For Hope Is The Thing With Feathers, Giddens reunited with musicians who have played important roles throughout her career. The album was deliberately recorded live in the studio, with minimal overdubbing, allowing the natural energy and interaction between the musicians to shine through.

Across ten tracks, the music brings together traditions from Louisiana, the Carolinas, Africa and Europe. Acoustic guitars, banjo, fiddle, accordion, percussion and expressive vocals create a rich, intimate sound that reflects the shared history of American roots music.

The album opens with Angel Fire Rise, followed by the beautiful title track Hope Is The Thing With Feathers. Other highlights include Carolina Rain, Freight Train, High On A Mountain and Cluck Old Hen, each showcasing Giddens' appreciation for traditional melodies and powerful storytelling.

The recordings feature an impressive group of collaborators, including Dirk Powell, Francesco Turrisi, Niwel Tsumbu, Justin Robinson, Jason Sypher and Amelia Powell. Their different musical backgrounds create an authentic and vibrant listening experience.

Produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, the album was recorded at The Cypress House in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, during sessions held between 2024 and 2025.

This LP edition is pressed on 140-gram black Eco-Vinyl, manufactured using 100% recycled vinyl. The vinyl edition is also produced as a carbon-neutral release.

Hope Is The Thing With Feathers is a beautiful addition to any collection of Americana, folk, bluegrass and traditional roots music, offering a heartfelt celebration of musical heritage and human connection.

Tracklist

Side A

Angel Fire Rise

Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

Step Away Blues

Wish In Vain

Carolina Rain

Side B

High On A Mountain

Freight Train

Walk With Me

Cluck Old Hen

Going Home

Specifications

Artist: Rhiannon Giddens

Title: Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

Format: LP

Vinyl colour: Black

Vinyl weight: 140 gram

Vinyl edition: Eco-Vinyl, 100% recycled

Number of records: 1

Number of tracks: 10

Release date: September 18, 2026

Label: Nonesuch Records

Genre: Americana / Folk / Roots / Bluegrass

Produced by: Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell

Recorded at: The Cypress House, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Mixing: Dirk Powell

Mastering: Eric Conn

Recording style: Live studio recordings with minimal overdubbing

Sustainability: 100% recycled vinyl and carbon-neutral production

Highlights

2026 album by Rhiannon Giddens

Pressed on 140-gram black Eco-Vinyl

Manufactured using 100% recycled vinyl

Carbon-neutral vinyl production

Features 10 tracks blending folk, Americana and roots music

Recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs

Includes Carolina Rain, Freight Train and Cluck Old Hen

Featuring Dirk Powell, Francesco Turrisi and Niwel Tsumbu

A celebration of American, African and European musical traditions

Released through Nonesuch Records