Artists: Ben Harper and Rhiannon Giddens
Single: “Black Eyed Dog” (by Nick Drake)
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Record Label: ANTI-
In Their Words: âRhiannon and I are both black purveyors of American roots music, and while this is not an anomaly, it is an exception within a subculture. We have unquestionably tapped into the same creative well of influence, carrying on the tradition through our own individual instincts and perspectives. … Iâve always wanted to cover âBlack Eyed Dog,â but the song was intimidating in its haunted perfection. Only through collaborating with Rhiannon would I have ever attempted it. When I step back from it, this collaboration shouldâve happened long ago, but Iâm thrilled that itâs finally here.â — Ben Harper
“I’ve been hearing and hearing about Ben Harper for a long time, but had never gotten to meet him until recently at an event in LA and I was immediately struck by a kindred spirit. Didn’t have as much to do with the kind of music we play, although we share many, many commonalities as black folk playing roots music, but more to do with the spirit that we access when we play it. I felt that spirit in him right off and knew if we ever got the chance, we could make something beautiful together.” — Rhiannon Giddens
Photo of Ben Harper: courtesy of the artist.
Photo of Rhiannon Giddens: Ebru Yildiz
