Rashida Jolley facts for kids

Rashida Jolley is an amazing American harpist. She plays her harp in a special way, mixing it with different kinds of music like hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Rashida also writes her own songs, bringing many music styles together.

Early Life and Music

Rashida grew up in Washington, D.C.. She went to Christian schools and was also homeschooled for her last years of high school. Her father, Noble Jolley Sr., was a jazz guitarist. He taught all seven of his children how to play music. Rashida says her mother first picked the harp for her. But Rashida felt it "was love at first sight."

Rashida Jolley started singing in her church choir when she was seven. By the time she was ten, she was playing the harp. She played with the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP). Later, she went to Nyack College and earned a degree in history.

Her Music Career

In 1997, Rashida took part in her first Miss D.C. pageant. People gave her the nickname "Baby Diva." She then represented Washington, D.C., in the Miss America Pageant in 2000.

In 2004, Rashida released her first music CD. It was called "Love is Not a Game." That same year, she also spoke to groups about making healthy choices.

Rashida Jolley appeared on the TV show America's Got Talent in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, she played the harp for the famous singer Lady Gaga. This was during Lady Gaga's Monster Ball World Tour. The Washington Post newspaper even called Rashida a "head-banging harpist."

Rashida released her second album in 2011. It was titled "There's No One Else Like You." In 2013, she worked with the Boys and Girls Club of DC. They teamed up for a program to help stop bullying.

Rashida has also performed on the BET Rap It Up Tour. She also played at the Ludacris Foundation's special event. This event honored the music legend Quincy Jones.