Squirrel Nut Zippers formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1992 as a casual musical project among friends. The band's core lineup included Jimbo Mathus (vocals, guitar, trombone), Katharine Whalen (vocals, banjo), Chris Phillips (drums), Tom Maxwell (vocals, guitar, saxophone), and Don Raleigh (bass). Their music blends Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s swing, and klezmer influences. The band achieved commercial success during the swing revival of the late 1990s, selling over three million albums between 1995 and 2003. Their 1996 album Hot became their highest-selling release, while their 1998 Christmas Caravan reached number 12 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2007 and again in 2016 with a new lineup. Recent releases include Beasts of Burgundy (2018) and Lost Songs of Doc Souchon (2020). Known for energetic live performances, the band continues to tour nationally and internationally, drawing audiences with their eclectic fusion of vintage jazz, blues, and folk traditions.