The Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band keeps the tradition of fife and drum musical expression alive and well in Mississippi, where the art form has its roots, and across the globe.

Staff Report
Established in 1988, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize individuals and organizations who
have made noteworthy contributions to or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi. The
Mississippi Arts Commission presents the awards each year in partnership with the Governor’s
Office.
The 2025 recipients were recognized at the 37th Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony, which took
place on Thursday, Feb. 6,at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson.
The Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band keeps the tradition of fife and drum musical expression
alive and well in Mississippi, where the art form has its roots, and across the globe.
Fife and drum are mostly associated with northern Mississippi and were popular during slavery
and through the Civil War. The father of Fife and Drum, Otha Turner, carried on the tradition
through the 20th century, and today, his legacy lives on through the band led by his
granddaughter, Sharde Thomas Mallory.
Sharde has led fife and drum bands since her grandad was alive and leading his own band, of
which she was a part. In 2003, Sharde started her own band, Rising Stars, to continue her
grandfather’s legacy. Chris Mallory and Sharde Thomas Mallory from Coldwater are the
dynamic duo behind the Rising Stars Fife and Drum.
In recent years, the band has grown into a worldwide brand and monumental blues history
sensation, playing at some of the best venues in the country, including the Lincoln Center and
the Ryman Auditorium, as well as countless festivals around the globe.