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Playlist: Blind Boys of Alabama

Honour Lackey, Creative Content & PR Intern

Nov 06, 2023

Four adults with brown skin wearing silvery suits, bow ties, and sunglasses face the camera in a row before a dark green wall.

Selections highlight a wide range of remarkable collaborations

Virtually no musical act has as long and storied a history as Blind Boys of Alabama, who'll be coming to the Wex November 15 in a show copresented by Ohio State's Office of Academic Affairs. Formed in 1939 and evolving in time as band members changed, the gospel group has been recording albums since 1948 and has been lauded with accolades including multiple Grammys, induction into the Gospel Hall of Fame, a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts, and invitations to the White House to perform three times by three different presidents.

As the Blind Boys have developed their own distinctive sound, they've also worked with a who's who of collaborators. Hit the playlist link to hear some of these notable partnerships, including songs with Peter Gabriel, Ben Harper, Toots Hibert, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Lou Reed, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and Tom Waits. Enjoy!

 

Top of page: Blind Boys of Alabama photo ©Danish Saroee