Biography
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a groundbreaking Black string band formed in 2005 in North Carolina by Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson. Inspired by the nearly forgotten tradition of African American string band music, the trio met at the first Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, North Carolina, and were originally known as Sankofa Strings. Their core repertoire was learned directly from Joe Thompson, an elder African American fiddler from Mebane, North Carolina, whose mentorship deeply shaped their sound and mission.[1][2][3][4]
The group quickly gained recognition for their energetic performances and dedication to reviving and reinterpreting old-time music, blending styles such as bluegrass, jug-band, early jazz, and Piedmont blues. Their debut album, 'Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind,' was released in 2006, followed by several acclaimed records, including the Grammy-winning 'Genuine Negro Jig' (2010) and the Grammy-nominated 'Leaving Eden' (2012).[2][4] Over the years, the band’s lineup evolved, with members like Hubby Jenkins, Malcolm Parson, and Rowan Corbett joining as original members departed. The Carolina Chocolate Drops performed at major festivals, opened for legends like Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal, and made history as the first Black string band to play the Grand Ole Opry.[1][2]
Their legacy extends beyond their recordings and performances. The Carolina Chocolate Drops sparked a renewed interest in Black roots music, inspiring a new generation of musicians and scholars to explore the African American contributions to American folk and country music. They have been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and are featured in national museums, cementing their role as cultural ambassadors who reshaped the narrative of American roots music.[1][4]
Fun Facts
- The Carolina Chocolate Drops made history as the first Black string band to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
- They appeared in the Denzel Washington-directed film 'The Great Debaters,' contributing to the soundtrack.
- Their song 'Daughter’s Lament' was featured on the soundtrack to 'The Hunger Games.'
- All three founding members have served on the board of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, supporting traditional musicians.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joe Thompson - Primary mentor and direct teacher; his repertoire and style formed the foundation of the band's music. (Live performances, core setlist material, 'Carolina Chocolate Drops & Joe Thompson' (live album)) [2005–2012]
Key Collaborators
- Rhiannon Giddens - Founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist; core of the group’s sound and vision. (All albums and performances (2005–2013)) [2005–2013]
- Dom Flemons - Founding member, multi-instrumentalist; contributed to research and performance. (All albums and performances (2005–2013)) [2005–2013]
- Justin Robinson - Founding member, fiddle and vocals; left in 2011. (Early albums and performances (2005–2011)) [2005–2011]
- Sule Greg Wilson - Occasional member and collaborator; contributed percussion and historical research. (Live performances, 'Keep a Song in Your Soul' project) [2005–2012]
- Hubby Jenkins - Later member, multi-instrumentalist. (Albums and tours (post-2011)) [2011–2015]
- Malcolm Parson - Later member, cello. (Albums and tours (post-2011)) [2011–2015]
- Rowan Corbett - Later member, guitar and percussion. (Albums and tours (post-2011)) [2011–2015]
Artists Influenced
- Our Native Daughters - Supergroup including Rhiannon Giddens, inspired by the Drops’ mission to highlight Black roots music. (Album 'Songs of Our Native Daughters') [2019]
- New generation of Black string musicians - Inspired to explore banjo, bones, and fiddle, and to reclaim Black roots in American folk music. (Various emerging artists and projects) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Negro Jig | 2010 | Album |
| Leaving Eden | 2012-02-24 | Album |
| Genuine Negro Jig | 2010-01-25 | Album |
| Genuine Negro Jig | 2010-03-16 | Album |
| Leaving Eden | 2012-02-07 | Album |
| Leaving Eden | 2012-02-27 | Album |
| Things About Comin' My Way | 2009-10-20 | Album |
| Voice Of Ages | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Genuine Negro Jig | 2010 | Album |
| Things About Comin' My Way | 2009-10-20 | Album |
| Carolina Chocolate Drops With Joe Thompson | 2009 | Album |
| Heritage | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Colored Aristocracy | 2007-03-01 | Album |
| Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind | 2006-07-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Hit 'Em up Style (Genuine Negro Jig)
- Cornbread and Butterbeans (Genuine Negro Jig)
- Snowden's Jig (Genuine Negro Jig) (Genuine Negro Jig)
- Daughter's Lament (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond)
- Mahalla (Leaving Eden)
- Ruby, Are You Mad at Your Man? (Leaving Eden)
- Peace Behind the Bridge (Genuine Negro Jig)
- Country Girl (Leaving Eden)
- Leaving Eden (Leaving Eden)
- Pretty Little Girl (Voice of Ages (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
Tags: #old-time
References
Heard on WWOZ
Carolina Chocolate Drops has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2025 | 19:48 | cornbread and butterbeans | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 10:33 | Cornbread And Butterbeansfrom Genuine Negro Jig | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 07:51 | Cornbread And Butterbeansfrom Genuine Negro Jig | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall | |
| Sep 21, 2025 | 14:08 | Hit'em Stylefrom Genuine Negro Jig | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |