25 Greatest & Most Famous Female Banjo Players Who Rock!

The banjo, an instrument often associated with the rich traditions of bluegrass and folk music, has seen remarkable contributions from female musicians who have shaped its history and evolution. These talented women have brought unique styles and perspectives, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a banjo player.

From the soulful melodies of Rhiannon Giddens to the genre-blending innovations of Alison Brown and the cross-cultural explorations of Abigail Washburn, female banjo players have not only preserved traditional sounds but also pushed the boundaries of the instrument.

This article celebrates the careers and achievements of these trailblazing women, highlighting their influence and the diverse musical landscapes they continue to enrich.

25 Most Influential Famous Female Banjo Players Who You Should Know About

These artists have made significant contributions to the banjo-playing community, spanning various genres such as folk, bluegrass, and old-time music.

Here’s a list of 25 famous female banjo players:

#1 Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens, born on February 21, 1977, in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a renowned musician, singer, and songwriter known for her work in the folk, Americana, and old-time music genres. Giddens is a founding member of the Grammy-winning group Carolina Chocolate Drops, which focuses on reclaiming the African American influence in string band music. Her banjo playing is characterized by its intricate clawhammer style, and she often explores the deep roots of African American music in her work.

Giddens has also released several solo albums, including “Tomorrow Is My Turn” (2015) and “Freedom Highway” (2017), which showcase her broad musical talents and social consciousness. Her contributions to the music world have earned her numerous accolades, including the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

#2 Abigail Washburn

Abigail Washburn, born on November 10, 1977, in Evanston, Illinois, is a celebrated banjo player and singer known for her unique blend of American and Chinese folk music. Washburn began her career as a member of the all-female old-time band Uncle Earl and has since become known for her innovative solo work and collaborations. Her music often features clawhammer banjo and incorporates a variety of influences, including bluegrass, folk, and Asian sounds.

Washburn has released several acclaimed albums, such as “Song of the Traveling Daughter” (2005) and “City of Refuge” (2011). She frequently collaborates with her husband, renowned banjo player Béla Fleck, and their album “Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn” (2014) won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album. Washburn is also an active cultural ambassador, working to bridge American and Chinese cultures through music.

#3 Alison Brown

Alison Brown, born on August 7, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut, is an award-winning banjo player and guitarist known for her work in bluegrass and jazz. Brown began playing banjo at a young age and gained national attention as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, contributing to their Grammy-winning album “I’ve Got That Old Feeling” (1990). She later pursued a solo career, releasing several albums that showcase her innovative fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and other genres.

Brown’s album “Fair Weather” (2000) won the Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance. She is also the co-founder of Compass Records, an independent record label that has become a prominent force in the Americana and roots music scenes. Brown’s contributions to banjo playing and music production have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

#4 Muriel Anderson

Muriel Anderson, born on October 31, 1960, in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a versatile musician known for her skills on both the guitar and the banjo. Although primarily recognized as a guitarist, Anderson is an accomplished banjo player, often incorporating the instrument into her performances and recordings. She is the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship and has released numerous albums showcasing her eclectic blend of folk, classical, bluegrass, and jazz influences.

Anderson’s innovative playing style and compositions have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. She is also the founder of the All Star Guitar Night, a popular concert series that brings together guitar and banjo enthusiasts and artists from around the world.

#5 Cathy Fink

Cathy Fink is a Grammy Award-winning musician, known for her versatile skills in playing the banjo, guitar, and ukulele. Fink has been a prominent figure in the folk and old-time music scenes for decades, often performing as a duo with her partner Marcy Marxer.

Together, they have released numerous albums that blend traditional folk, bluegrass, and children’s music, winning two Grammy Awards for Best Children’s Album. Fink is particularly known for her mastery of the clawhammer banjo style, and she has taught and inspired many students through workshops and instructional materials. Her work has earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Washington Area Music Association’s WAMMIE Award.

#6 Laurie Lewis

Laurie Lewis, born on September 28, 1950, in Long Beach, California, is an acclaimed bluegrass and folk musician, known for her skills as a singer, songwriter, and banjo player. Lewis began her music career in the 1970s and quickly became known for her powerful voice and deft instrumental work. She has released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with her band, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, blending traditional bluegrass with contemporary folk influences.

Some of her notable albums include “Love Chooses You” (1989) and “The Golden West” (2006). Lewis has won several awards, including the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year. She is also a respected teacher and has served as a mentor to many young musicians in the bluegrass community.

#7 Kristin Scott Benson

Kristin Scott Benson, born on November 28, 1977, in South Carolina, is a highly acclaimed bluegrass banjo player known for her exceptional skill and innovative playing style. She began playing banjo at a young age, inspired by her father, and has since become one of the most respected figures in bluegrass music.

Benson is a five-time recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year award. She is best known for her work with the Grascals, a popular bluegrass band with whom she has recorded several albums, including “Keep on Walkin'” and “And Then There’s This.” Benson’s precise and melodic playing has earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards, establishing her as a leading artist in the bluegrass community.

#8 Judy Mahan

Judy Mahan is a respected banjo player and songwriter known for her contributions to old-time and folk music. Although not as widely known as some of her contemporaries, Mahan has been a fixture in the traditional music scene, particularly in the Southern Appalachian region.

She is known for her clawhammer banjo style, a traditional technique that emphasizes rhythmic and melodic playing. Mahan has performed at numerous folk festivals and events, sharing her knowledge of traditional music and banjo techniques. She has also been involved in teaching and preserving the old-time banjo tradition, passing on her skills and knowledge to new generations of musicians.

#9 Evie Ladin

Evie Ladin is a multifaceted musician, dancer, and singer known for her dynamic banjo playing and deep knowledge of Appalachian music and dance traditions. Ladin began playing banjo at a young age, influenced by the rich folk and old-time music scene. She is particularly skilled in the clawhammer banjo style and often incorporates traditional dance rhythms into her music.

Ladin has released several albums, both solo and with her band, the Evie Ladin Band, including “Float Downstream” and “Jump the Fire.” Her work often blends traditional Appalachian music with contemporary influences, creating a unique and engaging sound. In addition to her music career, Ladin is also an accomplished dancer and educator, known for her work in promoting traditional dance forms.

#10 Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull, born on September 27, 1991, in Byrdstown, Tennessee, is a renowned musician primarily known for her exceptional mandolin skills but is also proficient on the banjo. Hull began playing music at a very young age and quickly gained recognition for her technical prowess and musicality.

Although she is best known as a mandolinist, Hull’s banjo playing showcases her versatility and deep understanding of bluegrass and acoustic music. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Secrets” (2008) and “Weighted Mind” (2016), which was produced by Béla Fleck. Hull has been nominated for numerous awards and continues to be a prominent figure in the bluegrass and acoustic music scenes, celebrated for her virtuosic playing and innovative approach.

#11 Gina Clowes

Gina Clowes is an accomplished banjo player known for her innovative playing style and contributions to contemporary bluegrass music. She began playing banjo at a young age, influenced by her family’s musical background, and has since developed a unique style that blends traditional bluegrass with modern elements. Clowes has performed with several notable bands and artists, including Chris Jones & The Night Drivers and the all-female band The Daughters of Bluegrass.

Her solo album, “True Colors” (2017), received critical acclaim for its fresh take on bluegrass banjo, showcasing her technical skills and creative arrangements. Clowes is also a dedicated educator, teaching banjo and sharing her knowledge with aspiring musicians.

#12 Kaitlyn Raitz

Kaitlyn Raitz is a versatile musician known for her work as a cellist and banjo player, blending classical training with a passion for folk and bluegrass music. Raitz began her musical journey as a cellist, studying classical music before expanding her repertoire to include folk and Americana genres.

She is a member of the duo Raitz & Stein, where she performs alongside guitarist Ben Plotnick. In addition to her work as a cellist, Raitz is also an accomplished banjo player, often incorporating the instrument into her performances and recordings. Her music blends traditional and contemporary influences, creating a unique and engaging sound that appeals to a wide audience.

#13 Judy Collins

Judy Collins, born on May 1, 1939, in Seattle, Washington, is a legendary singer-songwriter known for her contributions to the folk music revival of the 1960s. While Collins is primarily recognized for her singing and songwriting, she is also an accomplished banjo player. Collins’ early albums, such as “A Maid of Constant Sorrow” (1961) and “Golden Apples of the Sun” (1962), feature her banjo playing, showcasing her deep connection to traditional folk music.

Over her long and illustrious career, Collins has explored various musical styles, including folk, pop, and classical, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her interpretations of songs by artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell have become iconic, solidifying her status as a major figure in American music. Collins continues to perform and record, bringing her timeless voice and artistry to new generations of listeners.

#14 Molly Tuttle

Molly Tuttle, born on January 14, 1993, in Santa Clara, California, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known primarily for her exceptional guitar skills but also proficient on the banjo. Tuttle began playing music at a young age, influenced by her family’s rich musical background.

She became the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Guitar Player of the Year award in 2017. Tuttle’s banjo playing, often showcased in her live performances and recordings, complements her innovative approach to bluegrass and Americana music. Her debut solo album, “When You’re Ready” (2019), and follow-up “…but i’d rather be with you” (2020) have received critical acclaim, highlighting her virtuosic playing and songwriting prowess. Tuttle is celebrated for her technical mastery and emotive performances, making her a significant figure in contemporary acoustic music.

#15 Allison de Groot

Allison de Groot is a distinguished clawhammer banjo player known for her deep appreciation of traditional old-time music. De Groot has made a name for herself as a skilled musician, often performing with bands like Molsky’s Mountain Drifters and The Goodbye Girls. Her collaborative work with Tatiana Hargreaves, especially their album “Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves” (2019), showcases her intricate playing style and respect for traditional music while incorporating contemporary elements.

De Groot is also a dedicated educator, teaching workshops and sharing her knowledge of old-time banjo techniques with students worldwide. Her contributions to the old-time music scene have earned her recognition as one of the leading banjo players of her generation.

#16 Megan Lynch Chowning

Megan Lynch Chowning is a versatile musician and educator known for her work on the fiddle and banjo. Chowning has won numerous awards for her fiddling, including multiple state and national championships. Although primarily recognized as a fiddler, she is also a skilled banjo player, often incorporating the instrument into her performances and teaching.

Chowning has performed with several notable bluegrass and Americana bands and has taught at music camps and workshops across the United States. Her work as an educator has made her a respected figure in the bluegrass community, known for her ability to inspire and guide aspiring musicians.

#17 Mary Z. Cox

Mary Z. Cox is an accomplished banjo player, author, and educator known for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional banjo music. Cox specializes in the clawhammer banjo style and has released several albums, including “Girl with the Banjo Tattoo” and “Good Morning Banjo.”

Her music often features traditional folk tunes and original compositions, showcasing her deep understanding of Appalachian and old-time music traditions. In addition to her recordings, Cox has authored several instructional books on banjo playing and has taught workshops and courses for aspiring banjo players. Her dedication to the craft and her efforts to educate others have made her a respected figure in the banjo community.

#18 Tina Louise Barr

Tina Louise Barr is a talented banjo player and singer known for her work in the old-time and folk music scenes. Barr has performed with various bands and artists, showcasing her skill on the clawhammer banjo. Her playing is characterized by its rhythmic precision and melodic sensitivity, often drawing from traditional Appalachian and old-time music.

Barr has been a featured performer at numerous folk festivals and music events, sharing her passion for traditional banjo music with audiences. In addition to her performing career, Barr is also involved in teaching and promoting the banjo, contributing to the preservation and continuation of traditional music traditions.

#19 Beverly Smith

Beverly Smith is an accomplished musician known for her work as a fiddler, guitarist, and banjo player in the old-time and traditional folk music genres. Smith has been a prominent figure in the folk music community for decades, known for her deep respect for traditional music and her skillful playing. She has performed with various bands and artists, including the well-known duo with Carl Jones, where she often features her banjo playing.

Smith’s music is rooted in the Appalachian tradition, and she is known for her authentic interpretations of traditional tunes. In addition to performing, Smith is also a respected educator, teaching workshops and courses in traditional music and banjo playing.

#20 Martha Spencer

Martha Spencer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter known for her work in Appalachian and old-time music. Spencer grew up in a musical family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and has been deeply involved in traditional music from a young age.

She plays several instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, and guitar, and is known for her lively performances and authentic interpretations of traditional music. Spencer has released several albums, both as a solo artist and with her family band, the Whitetop Mountain Band. Her music often features traditional Appalachian songs and original compositions, showcasing her deep connection to the region’s musical heritage. Spencer is also involved in teaching and promoting traditional music, sharing her knowledge and passion with audiences and students alike.

#21 Brittany Haas

Brittany Haas, born on March 17, 1987, is a renowned fiddler and banjo player known for her work in the bluegrass and old-time music scenes. While primarily recognized for her exceptional fiddle skills, Haas is also an accomplished clawhammer banjo player. She has performed with notable groups such as Crooked Still and the Haas Kowert Tice trio, showcasing her versatility across various traditional and contemporary styles.

Haas has released several solo and collaborative albums, including “Cahalen and Eli” (2014) and “You Got This” (2020). Her intricate and soulful playing has earned her widespread recognition and admiration in the folk and bluegrass communities. In addition to her performing career, Haas is an educator, teaching workshops and courses on traditional American music.

#22 Sandy Rothman

Sandy Rothman is a versatile musician known for her contributions to bluegrass and folk music as a multi-instrumentalist, including her skills on the banjo. Although primarily a guitarist and mandolinist, Rothman has made notable contributions to the banjo’s role in bluegrass music.

She has collaborated with influential artists such as Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Herb Pedersen, bringing her unique touch to various recordings and performances. Rothman’s deep understanding of traditional bluegrass music and her ability to play multiple instruments have made her a respected figure in the music community. Her work as a historian and writer on bluegrass music further showcases her dedication to preserving and promoting the genre’s rich heritage.

#23 Amy Alvey

Amy Alvey is an accomplished musician known for her work as a fiddler, guitarist, and banjo player. Alvey is a member of the folk duo The Rail Splitters and the band Hoot and Holler, where she showcases her versatile musical talents. Her banjo playing is characterized by its rhythmic drive and melodic sensitivity, drawing from old-time and bluegrass traditions.

Alvey has performed at numerous folk festivals and music events, earning recognition for her energetic performances and dedication to traditional music. She is also involved in teaching and promoting traditional music through workshops and community events, sharing her passion and knowledge with a broader audience.

#24 Muriel Anderson

Muriel Anderson, primarily known as a world-class guitarist, also excels as a banjo player. With a career that spans decades, Anderson has mastered a wide range of musical genres, including classical, folk, bluegrass, and jazz.

She has won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship and has been recognized for her versatility and innovative approach to music. Anderson’s banjo playing, although less prominent than her guitar work, is marked by a deep understanding of traditional music and a unique interpretative style. She has released several critically acclaimed albums and is known for her engaging live performances and educational contributions to the music community.

#25 Sara Watkins

Sara Watkins, born on June 8, 1981, in Vista, California, is a versatile musician known for her work as a fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, including her skills on the banjo. Watkins first gained fame as a founding member of the progressive bluegrass band Nickel Creek, alongside her brother Sean Watkins and Chris Thile.

While primarily recognized for her fiddle playing and vocals, Watkins is also an accomplished banjo player, often incorporating the instrument into her performances and recordings. She has released several solo albums, including “Sun Midnight Sun” (2012) and “Young in All the Wrong Ways” (2016), showcasing her diverse musical talents and songwriting abilities. Watkins is celebrated for her emotive voice, instrumental versatility, and contributions to the folk and Americana music scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rhiannon Giddens a significant figure in the banjo-playing community?

Rhiannon Giddens is renowned for her mastery of the clawhammer banjo and her efforts to highlight the African American roots of the instrument. She has received widespread acclaim for her innovative blend of traditional folk, blues, and Americana music.

How has Alison Brown contributed to the evolution of banjo music?

Alison Brown is known for her fusion of bluegrass and jazz elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional banjo music. As a co-founder of Compass Records, she has also played a pivotal role in producing and promoting contemporary acoustic music.

What distinguishes Abigail Washburn’s banjo style?

Abigail Washburn is celebrated for her unique blend of American and Chinese folk music, incorporating traditional clawhammer banjo techniques with cross-cultural influences. Her collaborative work with Béla Fleck and solo projects have expanded the banjo’s musical horizons.

How has Molly Tuttle’s career impacted the perception of women in bluegrass and banjo music?

Molly Tuttle has broken new ground as the first woman to win the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award, showcasing her exceptional talent across multiple instruments, including the banjo. Her innovative approach and technical mastery have inspired a new generation of female musicians in bluegrass and beyond.