Blind Boys of Alabama tickets

Blind Boys of Alabama tour dates

True innovators in the world of gospel music, the Blind Boys of Alabama have been crisscrossing the globe since their formation back in 1939. In fact, the seven-member ensemble, which includes three blind singers, has performed on every continent except Antarctica.

Performing a breadth of traditional and contemporary gospel songs, no two Blind Boys of Alabama concerts are alike.

Blind Boys of Alabama background

The original members of the Blind Boys of Alabama began singing together when they were young students at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. Jimmy Carter, who still sings with the group today, was one of its founding members and has toured with the group since the World War II-era. The Blind Boys of Alabama originally started as the Happy Land Jubilee Singers, a group that played shows for soldiers in training at military camps in the South.

The Blind Boys became key musical figures in the Civil Rights movement of the '60s, appearing at predominantly black churches during this time. In 1982, they performed at the World's fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. During the '80s, they also appeared together as Oedipus in the Tony Award-winning musical The Gospel at Colonus.

Constant innovators, the Blind Boys released the album Holding On, which had heavy funk influences, in 1997. They have continued their tradition of musical innovation well into the 21st century, too. In the 2000s, the group won five Grammy awards, multiple Dove awards and performed at the White House for two presidents.

Blind Boys of Alabama's biggest hits

The Blind Boys of Alabama have released more than 60 albums over the span of their career. One of their earliest hits was I Can See Everybody's Mother But Mine, released in 1948.

During the 2000s, the Blind Boys of Alabama began writing and releasing original material in addition to gospel standards. Their most popular albums during these years included Go Tell it On the Mountain, There Will Be a Light, Talkin' Christmas! and Down in New Orleans.

The Blind Boys of Alabama have also collaborated with many well-known artists, including Ben Harper, Tom Waits, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Dr. John. Their cover of the Waits's song Way Down in the Hole was used during the opening credits of the popular HBO Show The Wire.

Artists similar to Blind Boys of Alabama

Blind Boys of Alabama enthusiasts might also enjoy concerts by Taj Mahal and Dr. John.