Heritage

When Don Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson decided to form a band in 2005, they didn't have big plans. It was mostly a tribute too old-time fiddler Joe Thompson's home jam session, a chance to bring his music back out of the house again and into dance halls and public places. They called themselves The Carolina Chocolate Drops as a tip of the hat to the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, three black brothers Howard, Martin and Bogan Armstrong, who lit up the music scene in the 1930s. Honing and experimenting with Joe's repertoire, the band often coaxed their teacher out of the house to join them on stage. Joe's charisma and charm regularly stole the show!