The Roots

Formed in 1987 in Philadelphia, PA, The Roots—Black Thought (MC), Ahmir “?uestlove”
Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (electronic keyboards), F. Knuckles (percussion), Captain Kirk
Douglas (electronic guitar), Damon Bryson (sousaphone) and James Poyser (electronic
keyboard)—have become one of the best known and most respected hip-hop acts in the
business. Named one of the "50 Greatest Live Acts" by Rolling Stone, The Roots became the
official house band on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" where they currently perform
every Monday-Friday.
"They are not merely the world’s best hip-hop band—but one of the great musical outfits of our
time." — Rolling Stone