Local blues musician Drink Small honored

Local blues legend Drink Small has been named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts.

It’s the highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

Small is one of nine recipients. The honor is accompanied by a gift of $25,000.

Drink Small, 82, known as the Blues Doctor, grew up in Bishopville. His musical legacy includes performing gospel music at the Apollo Theater, making appearances at the Chicago Blues Festival and the New Orleans Jazz Fest, and induction into the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1999.

He will headline the next FOLKFabulous music festival on Aug. 22 at McKissick Museum.

This story was originally published June 9, 2015 at 4:04 PM.