Becoming a musical humanitarian

Banjo artist Abigail Washburn's Grammy Award-winning music is inspired by her deep interest in Chinese language and culture, in which she explores the intersections of American and Chinese music. As a 2012 TED Fellow, Washburn inspired countless listeners by describing the many detours she undertook from her initial post-graduation plan to study law in Beijing and improve America-China relations. She says she has most likely contributed more to America-China relations as a musician and cultural ambassador than she would have as an attorney.