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Echoes of Alabama

A Journey Through Gospel, Soul, and Timeless Inspiration.

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The Blind Boys of Alabama

A Legacy of Gospel

The Blind Boys of Alabama, a seminal American gospel group, have forged an indelible legacy since their inception in 1939. Originating from the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind in Talladega, the group has consistently featured musicians who are, or were, vision-impaired. Their enduring sound, rooted in traditional black gospel, has evolved to incorporate blues and soul, resonating across diverse audiences for over eight decades.

Transcending Boundaries

Initially performing within church and school settings, The Blind Boys of Alabama achieved significant mainstream success following their appearance in the 1983 Obie Award-winning musical The Gospel at Colonus. This pivotal moment opened doors to international tours and collaborations with artists spanning genres, including Prince, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, and Bon Iver, demonstrating their remarkable ability to bridge musical worlds while staying true to their gospel roots.

Critical Acclaim

The group's profound contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades. They are five-time Grammy Award winners, recipients of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and have been honored with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Inductions into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame further attest to their esteemed position in American musical history.

A Chronicle of Sound

Humble Beginnings

The ensemble's origins trace back to 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind. Initially known as The Happy Land Jubilee Singers, they performed for soldiers during World War II. Early influences included the Golden Gate Quartet and The Soul Stirrers. Despite faculty restrictions against "black gospel" music, the students found inspiration through radio broadcasts. Their professional debut occurred in 1944, leading to touring and early recordings, though tragically marked by the 1947 death of vocalist Velma Bozman Traylor.

Gospel Roots and Crossover Temptations

During the 1950s, The Blind Boys solidified their reputation within the burgeoning black gospel scene. They were approached by figures like Ray Charles's manager with offers to transition to secular genres, but they remained steadfast in their commitment to gospel music. Despite commercial success with recordings on labels like Specialty Records, financial compensation was minimal due to exploitative contracts, a situation later acknowledged by Clarence Fountain.

Civil Rights and Shifting Tides

The 1960s saw The Blind Boys actively supporting the Civil Rights Movement, performing at benefits for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While soul music gained prominence, they resisted pressure to record secular material, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial gain. The group experienced internal changes, including Clarence Fountain's temporary departure in 1969, and faced declining popularity of traditional gospel in the 1970s before Fountain's return in 1977.

Mainstream Breakthrough

The 1980s marked a significant turning point as Clarence Fountain emerged as the group's frontman. The inclusion of Jimmy Carter in 1982 was another key development. Their casting in the 1983 musical The Gospel at Colonus, a critically acclaimed adaptation of Sophocles' tragedy, introduced them to a wider audience and garnered an Obie Award. This success propelled them onto Broadway and into broader recognition, leading to collaborations and increased visibility throughout the 1990s, including a Grammy nomination for Deep River.

Continued Excellence and Evolution

The new millennium saw The Blind Boys of Alabama achieve sustained critical and commercial success. Albums like Spirit of the Century and Higher Ground earned multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing their ability to blend traditional gospel with contemporary influences and covers of popular artists. Their performances at the White House, features in films and television, and collaborations with diverse musicians like Ben Harper, Justin Vernon, and Black Violin underscore their enduring relevance and artistic vitality. Despite the passing of key members, the group continues to tour and record, carrying forward their powerful message of faith and resilience.

The Voices of Legacy

Current Members

The current iteration of The Blind Boys of Alabama continues to carry the torch, blending seasoned talent with new energy.

Name Years Active Instruments
Ricky McKinnie1990–presentVocals, percussion
Joey Williams1995–presentVocals, lead guitar
Louis "Doc" West?–presentVocals, Guitar
Julius Love?-presentVocals
Peter Levin?–presentOrgan
Stephen Raynard Ladson?–presentBass

Founding Members

The original ensemble laid the foundation for the group's enduring sound and mission.

Name Years Active Instruments Notes
Clarence Fountain1939–2007, 2017–2018Vocals
George Scott1939–2005Vocals
Vel Bozman Traylor1939–1947Vocals
Johnny Fields1939–?Vocals
Olice Thomas1939–?VocalsDate of death unknown.
J. T. Hutton1939–?VocalsThe only sighted original member.

Notable Former Members

Many talented musicians have contributed to The Blind Boys' rich history.

Name Years Active Instruments Notes
Jimmy Carter1982–2023Vocals
Bishop Billy Bowers1968–2011Vocals
Caleb "Bobby" Butler1979–2008Vocalist, bassButler is sighted. No relation to Samuel Butler Jr.
Samuel Butler Jr.1972–1994Vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter, arranger, managerNo relation to Caleb "Bobby" Butler.
Ben Moore2006–2022Vocals
Paul Beasley2013–2023Vocals
Roscoe RobinsonVocals
Charles PorterVocals
Dwight FieldsVocals

Recognition and Accolades

Grammy Awards

The Blind Boys of Alabama have received significant recognition from the Grammy Awards, reflecting their consistent quality and impact on gospel and roots music.

YearNominee / WorkCategoryAwardResult
1994Deep RiverBest Traditional Soul Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsNominated
2002Spirit of the CenturyBest Traditional Soul Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsWon
2003Higher GroundBest Traditional Soul Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsWon
2004Go Tell It on the MountainBest Traditional Soul Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsWon
2005There Will Be a LightBest Traditional Soul Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsWon
2009Down in New OrleansBest Traditional Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsWon
2009The Blind Boys of AlabamaLifetime Achievement AwardGrammy AwardsWon
2016God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie JohnsonBest Roots Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsNominated
2016"Mother's Children Have a Hard Time"Best American Roots PerformanceGrammy AwardsNominated
2017"Let My Mother Live"Best American Roots PerformanceGrammy AwardsNominated
2021"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" (with Béla Fleck)Best American Roots PerformanceGrammy AwardsNominated
2022"The Message" (with Black Violin)Best Americana PerformanceGrammy AwardsNominated
2023Echoes of the SouthBest Roots Gospel AlbumGrammy AwardsTBA
2023"Heaven Help Us All"Best American Roots PerformanceGrammy AwardsTBA
2023"Friendship"Best Americana PerformanceGrammy AwardsTBA

Other Honors

Beyond the Grammys, The Blind Boys have received numerous prestigious honors recognizing their cultural and artistic significance.

YearHonorPresenter
1994National Heritage FellowshipNational Endowment for the Arts
2003Hall of Fame InducteesGospel Music Hall of Fame
2005Helen Keller Personal Achievement AwardAmerican Foundation for the Blind
2005First Niarchos Prize for SurvivorshipQueen Noor of Jordan (on behalf of the Landmine Survivors Network)
2010Hall of Fame InducteesAlabama Music Hall of Fame

Musical Journey

Core Discography

A comprehensive list of albums released by The Blind Boys of Alabama as main artists.

  • 1949 – I Can See Everybody's Mother But Mine – Coleman Records
  • 1950 – Sweet Honey in the Rocks – Palda Records
  • 1950 – Livin' On Mother's Prayers – Palda Records
  • 1950 – Come Over Here The Table Spread – Palda Records
  • 1953 – The Sermon
  • 1953 – When I Lost My Mother – Specialty Records
  • 1954 – Marching Up To Zion – Specialty Records
  • 1954 – Oh Lord, Stand By Me – Specialty Records
  • 1958 – My Mother's Train – Vee-Jay Records
  • 1959 – God is On the Throne – Savoy Records
  • 1959 – The Original Blind Boys – Savoy Records
  • 1963 – (1957) You'll Never Walk Alone – HOB Records
  • 1963 – Old Time Religion – HOB Records
  • 1963 – True Convictions – HOB Records
  • 1965 – Can I Get a Witness? – HOB Records
  • 1967 – Church Concert in New Orleans (Live) – HOB Records
  • 1969 – Fix it Jesus Like You Said You Would – Keen Records
  • 1969 – Jesus Will Be Waiting
  • 1970 – In the Gospel Light
  • 1970 – The Five Blind Boys From Alabama
  • 1970 – The Soul of Clarence Fountain
  • 1973 – Best of Five Blind Boys of Alabama
  • 1974 – Precious Memories
  • 1974 – There's a God Somewhere – ABC Records
  • 1978 – The Soldier Album – PIR Records
  • 1981 – Faith Moves Mountains – Messiah Records
  • 1982 – I'm a Soldier in the Army of the Lord
  • 1987 – In the Hands of the Lord
  • 1989 – I'm a Changed Man – Wajji Records
  • 1989 – The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
  • 1990 – Brand New – Wajji Records
  • 1990 – I'm Not That Way Anymore – Atlanta International Records
  • 1991 – I am a Soldier
  • 1991 – Oh Lord, Stand By Me / Marching Up to Zion
  • 1991 – The Best of the Five Blind Boys
  • 1992 – Deep River – Elektra/Nonesuch Records
  • 1993 – Bridge Over Troubled Waters
  • 1994 – Alive in Person
  • 1994 – Blessed Assurance
  • 1994 – Don't Forget To Pray
  • 1994 – In the Gospel Light
  • 1994 – Soul Gospel
  • 1994 – Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
  • 1995 – 1948–51
  • 1995 – I Brought Him With Me – House of Blues Music Company
  • 1996 – All Things Are Possible
  • 1996 – Golden Moments in Gospel
  • 1997 – Holdin' On – House of Blues Music Company
  • 1998 – Have Faith: The Very Best of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama
  • 1999 – Best of Clarence Fountain and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama
  • 1999 – Hallelujah: A Collection of Their Finest
  • 2000 – My Lord What a Morning
  • 2001 – Spirit of the Century – Real World Records
  • 2001 – You'll Never Walk Alone / True Convictions (reissue)
  • 2002 – Higher Ground – Real World Records
  • 2003 – Amazing Grace
  • 2003 – Go Tell It on the Mountain – Real World Records
  • 2004 – There Will Be a Light (with Ben Harper) – Virgin Records
  • 2005 – Live at the Apollo (with Ben Harper)
  • 2005 – Atom Bomb – Real World Records
  • 2006 – Just a Closer Walk with Thee (compilation)
  • 2008 – Down in New Orleans – Time Life
  • 2009 – Enlightenment – The Great American Music Co.
  • 2009 – Duets (compilation) – Saguaro Road Records
  • 2010 – Faith Moves Mountains (reissue)
  • 2011 – Take the High Road – Saguaro Road Records
  • 2013 – I'll Find a Way – Sony Masterworks
  • 2014 – Talkin' Christmas! (with Taj Mahal) – Sony Masterworks
  • 2017 – Almost Home – BBOA Records/Single Lock Records
  • 2019 – Work To Do (with Marc Cohn) – BMG Records
  • 2021 – I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free (with Béla Fleck) – Single Lock Records
  • 2023 – Echoes Of The South – Single Lock Records

Featured Appearances

The Blind Boys have lent their voices to numerous projects by other artists and soundtracks.

  • 2002 – Up by Peter Gabriel ("Sky Blue")
  • 2002 – Lifted: Songs of the Spirit ("Freedom Road")
  • 2002 – WYEP Live and Direct: Volume 4 ("Amazing Grace")
  • 2002 – Don't Give Up on Me by Solomon Burke ("None of Us Are Free")
  • 2003 – Brother Bear: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack ("Welcome" with Phil Collins)
  • 2005 – Redemption Songs ("Nothing But The Blood")
  • 2007 – Song of America ("Let Us Break Bread Together")
  • 2014 – Songs from a Stolen Spring ("Freedom")
  • 2016 – God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson ("Mother's Children Have a Hard Time")

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References

References

  1.  The Blind Boys of Alabama at IMDb
  2.  The Blind Boys of Alabama at IMDb
A full list of references for this article are available at the The Blind Boys of Alabama Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.

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