The Carolina Chocolate Drops are an American old-time string band from Durham, North Carolina, whose music is characterized by a fresh, contemporary approach to traditional African-American music genres such as country, blues, and folk. Formed in 2005, the group originally comprised Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson, all of whom shared a common passion for bringing the rich musical history of African-American string bands of the Piedmont region into the modern age. The band members honed their skills during jam sessions at the famed Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, North Carolina, and were deeply influenced by the legendary fiddler Joe Thompson, one of the last musicians with a direct link to the rich tradition of black string band music.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops achieved a breakthrough with their 2010 album "Genuine Negro Jig," which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album – a testament to their dedication to the craft and their skill in reimagining traditional sounds for contemporary audiences. This album, along with "Leaving Eden" (2012), and their collaborative EP with the Luminescent Orchestrii, reflects the band's unique blend of old-time stylings with a dynamic and spirited performance ethic. Over the years, the lineup has seen changes with the departures and additions of various musicians, but the Drops’ devotion to the exploration and revitalization of Black folk music traditions remains a constant beacon in their ongoing musical journey.

Genres

Banjo

Black Americana

Folk

Jug Band

Modern Old-time

New Americana

North Carolina Roots

Old-time

Progressive Bluegrass

Latest Release

Leaving Eden

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Album - 15 Tracks - Released February 24, 2012