Gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama started singing together before the attack on Pearl Harbor. They toured the South during the Jim Crow era of the 1940s and 50s and sang at benefits for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. They've played at the White House for three administrations. In 2009, they were awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Drummer, arranger and vocalist Eric "Ricky" McKinnie speaks with Kate Lochte on Sounds Good about their visit this Friday to WKCTC's Clemens Fine Arts Center.
The current regular lineup of The Blind Boys of Alabama include Jimmy Carter, Ben Moore and Paul Beasley on vocals, Ricky McKinnie on drums and vocals and Joey Wiliams on lead guitar and vocals. McKinnie says the group has opened their arms to other musicians, having worked recently with Taj Mahal and Bon Iver. In the past, they've recorded songs with Curtis Mayfield, Ben Harper, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Oakridge Boys, Vince Gill and several others.
On their success, McKinnie says "if you can dream your dream, do the work and keep the faith, then you'll be okay." He says he tries to sing from the heart to reach the hearts of others.
The Blind Boys of Alabama play at WKCTC's Clemens Fine Arts Center on Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.
