The Blind Boys Of Alabama

Close your eyes for a few moments, and with them closed imagine the mid-1930's - the Great Depression, the dust bowl, silent movies and deep-rooted segregation with no end in sight. Envision with closed eyes a town called Talladega, Alabama, home to a school named the Alabama School for the Negro Deaf and Blind - a school where weaving baskets and caning chairs were considered the highest possible vocations. This was the birthplace of the greatest gospel tradition in American history. This was the birthplace of The Blind Boys Of Alabama.

From the invention of television to the invention of the internet, through world wars and cold wars, from FDR to Barack Obama, and now well into their eighth decade of touring, writing and recording, the Blind Boys of Alabama have not only faithfully remained, endured and persevered, they have evolved, thrived, and flourished as the premier purveyors of gospel music the world over. When you hear the Blind Boys of Alabama singing it is as instantly recognizable as it is original, inhabiting a place in the soul no others can. Having the opportunity to write, sing, record and tour with The Blind Boys of Alabama has been the highest musical privilege in my lifetime. I still sit in humble disbelief when I hear my voice singing with theirs. The memories of our time and friendship are as sacred as the sound that comes from their voices.

From the famed Capitol Studios to the Apollo Theater in Harlem - where I had, respectively, the great privilege of recording and performing with them - from the floor of the United Nations to the White House, The Blind Boys of Alabama have triumphantly carried soul gospel music into the 21st century, producing a timeless body of work that will inspire generations to come.
Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama performed together on the GRAMMY-winning album, 'There Will Be A Light'.

-Ben Harper

Listen to The Blind Boys of Alabama Here