In this behind the scenes documentary, take a peek into the recording process of "Polly Ann's Hammer" and "You're Not Alone," two songs off 'Songs of Our Native Daughters' released by Smithsonian Folkways on February 22, 2019.

"Before rushing off to the studio with Dirk, Rhiannon told me and Alli to tell Polly Ann’s story. Once again, drawing from Sid Hemphill’s 'John Henry,' we wrote lyrics about Polly Ann, about her strength, and about her wish to be free from the grip of the physically unforgiving and often thankless job of steel driving."

— Amythyst Kiah

"Polly Ann—the real hero of the John Henry legend—was hiding in plain sight all along. John Henry’s woman, Polly Ann wields his hammer for him when he falls ill and 'drives steel just like a man.' The supposedly weaker sex survives the work that kills John Henry, raises the babies, and perhaps lives long enough to see their children campaign for civil rights and true freedom."

— Allison Russell