Rashida Jolley is an American
harpist who uses her traditionally
classical music instrument in
hip-hop,
R&B and
pop music.[1] Jolley also writes her own songs, fusing many different genres together.
Biography
Jolley grew up in
Washington, D.C. during which she attended
Christian schools and was
home schooled for her last few years of high school.[2] She is a graduate of
Nyack College with a bachelor's degree in history.[3] Her father, Noble Jolley Sr., was a
jazz guitarist who taught all of his seven children how to play and perform.[4] Jolley says that her mother chose the harp for her, but she says that it "was love at first sight."[5] Rashida Jolley began singing in her church choir when she was seven and was playing the harp at the
DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) when she was ten.[4]
Jolley competed on
America's Got Talent in 2009.[1] Jolley played harp for
Lady Gaga on her 2010-2011 Monster Ball World Tour.[9]The Washington Post called Jolley a "head-banging harpist."[9][10] Jolley released her second album in 2011, titled "There's No One Else Like You."[11] She partnered with the
Boys and Girls Club of DC in an anti-bullying program in 2013.[12]
Jolley has also performed on the
BET Rap It Up Tour and at the Ludacris Foundation's Tribute to
Quincy Jones.[13]