Kristina R. Gaddy

About the Author

Kristina R. Gaddy is a historian, musician, and scholar whose work bridges the worlds of early American music and cultural heritage. With a deep passion for uncovering forgotten voices in Black musical traditions, she draws on extensive research into archival records, oral histories, and performance practices to illuminate the profound influence of African diasporic sounds on fiddle and banjo playing across the Americas. Gaddy's scholarship challenges conventional narratives of musical evolution, highlighting the ingenuity and resilience of enslaved and free Black communities in shaping the sonic landscape of the New World. As a performer and educator, she actively revives these traditions through concerts, workshops, and writings that inspire a new generation to appreciate the roots of American folk music. Her contributions extend beyond academia, fostering greater recognition of Black excellence in the arts.