NEWS: 2011

DECEMBER 2011: The Blind Boys Of Alabama Celebrate The Holiday Spirit with Daryl Hall

The Blind Boys of Alabama appeared with Daryl Hall on a very special Christmas edition of the award-winning internet and television series "Live From Daryl's House." The show premiered Dec. 15 exclusively at lfdh.com and will be shown on television stations around the country at later dates. "This was a very special show for me, as I have been a fan of The Blind Boys of Alabama since I was about 14 years old," enthused Daryl about their appearance. "I used to listen to them and groups like them after church on WDAS radio in Philly." Daryl joins the group for a set of seasonal classics including "Born In Bethlehem," "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," and "Last Month of the Year." Also featured will be the title track from the Blind Boys' latest release, "Take the High Road."

In other news, The Blind Boys performed recently at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, paying tribute to the life, legacy, and music of Aretha Franklin, during the 16th annual American Music Masters series.

Catch the Blind Boys performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>


 
read more at YouTube: Preservation Hall 50th Anniversary at Carnegie Hall January 7, 2012 >>  
DECEMBER 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint and Trombone Shorty To Join Preservation Hall Jazz Band's 50th Anniversary at Carnegie Hall January 7, 2012

The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews will join the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for their 50th Anniversary show at Carnegie Hall in New York City on January 7, 2012. Other special guests include My Morning Jacket, Del McCoury Band, GIVERS, Tao Seeger and Mos Def.

With a mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been carrying their distinctive sound around the world on behalf of Preservation Hall, a unique venue that embodies the city's musical legacy. With a cast of musicians schooled through first-hand experience and apprenticeship into the music's historic traditions, Pres Hall has served as a vital link to the earliest days of one of America's most beloved forms of popular music.

Catch The Blind Boys, Allen and Trombone Shorty performing individually, please see Tour Dates >>


OCTOBER 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama To Join Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson and More at 90th Birthday Celebration Honoring Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery

The Blind Boys of Alabama are among an all-star lineup honoring the life of American civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery on October 9 at the Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta, GA. Hosted by CNN Anchor, Soledad O'Brien, "His Words - Our Gift: A Musical Experience" will also feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson, Cicely Tyson, Cassi Davis, Dawn Lewis, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Morehouse and Spelman College glee clubs and other special guests.

Lowery became the third president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, and participated in most of the major activities of the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Honored for his many achievements over the years, Lowery was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2009.

Invited to the White House by the last three U.S. Presidential Administrations, The Blind Boys of Alabama are heading to Atlanta after appearing in front of an estimated 40,000 people at San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. The five time Grammy Award and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners are currently touring in support of their latest album, Take The High Road. In December, the band will present their special "Go Tell It On The Mountain: The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show".

To catch The Blind Boys live in concert, please see Tour Dates >>


JULY 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured On NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series

The Blind Boys of Alabama were recently featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series. They performed "Take The High Road;" "I Know A Place;" "Jesus Built A Bridge To Heaven;" and "Amazing Grace." The series hosts and records performances in NPR's offices - hence the "tiny desk" title. The sets are available on NPR's website, click here to watch the Blind Boys' performance.

The Blind Boys new traditional country-gospel album, Take the High Road has been getting critical raves. The New York Times wrote of the album: "Take the High Road is this venerable gospel group's first organized foray into country music, and it couldn't have gone much better. Recorded in Nashville with a serious crew, it finds a respectable balance between earthy and polished, sounding true to all parties involved." The "serious crew" mentioned includes co-producer and acclaimed country music artist Jamey Johnson, who also performs on the album along with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Check out the Blind Boys performing live on stage. They're currently touring Europe this July, followed by dates across the U.S. For details, please see Tour Dates >>


 
JULY 2011: Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured In New Gospel Documentary: Rejoice and Shout - In Select Theaters Now

Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama are both featured in the new gospel documentary, Rejoice and Shout (released June 3, 2011). Tracing the history of gospel, the film includes archival footage of an onstage duel between The Blind Boys of Alabama and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. Mavis Staples is featured both in present day interviews as well as archival footage of her early performances with The Staples Singers, her family's legendary band (who, in addition to Mavis and Pops Staples, Rosebud is honored to have represented).
Rejoice and Shout official website >>
Rejoice and Shout at IMDB (more clips available) >>

Film critic Roger Ebert notes in his review, "Mavis Staples, whose father [Pops Staples] links back to the earliest days of gospel, is a warm presence throughout the film, calling on personal memories of many of the artists... this is an engaging film filled with love for the music." Check out some clips from the film in this two-thumbs-up review from Ebert Presents At The Movies (PBS). The critics point out the strength of the film lies in it's maintaining incredible full-song performances in it's presentation of archival material.

Check out Mavis and The Blind Boys perform individually live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>


JUNE 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured on NPR's Mountain Stage Premiering June 17th // Blind Boys Play Sold Out BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery June 14th

The Blind Boys of Alabama will be featured on NPR's Mountain Stage in an episode premiering June 17, 2011. In addition, The Blind Boys will be performing at the sold out event BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery taking place on June 14th in Birmingham, AL. While general admission tickets are sold out, there are limited VIP packages still available for the benefit. The Blind Boys Mountain Stage performance will air on over 170 NPR stations over the week beginning June 17. Air times vary by station, a complete list of which can be found here. The following week the show will be posted to NPR's archive on their website here. Also, Mountain Stage's podcasts of the show are available for free on iTunes here.

Earlier in the week, The Blind Boys will play BAMA RISING: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery. The benefit, hosted by legendary country Group, Alabama, brings the country music community together to assist victims of the tornados that ravaged Alabama on April 27th. Artists joining The Blind Boys in the concert lineup (in addition to Alabama) include: Sheryl Crow, Dierks Bentley, Bo Bice, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Taylor Hicks, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker among many others. Alabama's Randy Owen, speaking on behalf of the group, said, "My hope is that this will bring happiness and help to my fellow citizens... I hope we all can pull together to help get through the worst natural disaster I've ever seen in Alabama."

 

The Blind Boys were recently featured in another all-star benefit, Music Builds: CMT Disaster Relief Concert. That benefit raised money for American Red Cross disaster relief efforts for people affected by the early Spring's devastating storms, floods and tornadoes in the U.S. The Blind Boys performed with Hank Williams Jr., who also guests on their new traditional country-gospel album, Take the High Road.

The album was co-produced by acclaimed country music artist Jamey Johnson, who also performs on it along with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack and The Oak Ridge Boys. The New York Times wrote of the album: "Take the High Road is this venerable gospel group's first organized foray into country music, and it couldn't have gone much better. Recorded in Nashville with a serious crew, it finds a respectable balance between earthy and polished, sounding true to all parties involved."

Check out the Blind Boys performing live on stage, including their legendary contributions to The Gospel at Colonus in Charleston SC, a Summer European Tour and much more, please see Tour Dates for details >>


MAY 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama To Be Featured in Music Builds: CMT Disaster Relief Concert Thursday May 12, High Profile Guest Collaborations and Media Appearances

The Blind Boys of Alabama will be featured in the all-star benefit Music Builds: CMT Disaster Relief Concert on May 12. They will perform with Hank Williams Jr., who also guests on their brand new album, Take the High Road. The concert will be broadcast live from Nashville at 9 PM ET/PT on the CMT cable network and simulcast on CMT.com. The show will raise money for people affected by the recent devastating storms, floods and tornadoes in the U.S. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Other artists scheduled to appear in the concert include Alabama, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw and more. In addition, President Obama will offer a special call-to-action message during the fundraising event, as will Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Courtney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres and Nicole Kidman among others. (read the full story). If you would like to donate to the effort, visit the American Red Cross website, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The New York Times reviewed the Blind Boys' new album on Sunday May 8, writing: "Take the High Road is this venerable gospel group's first organized foray into country music, and it couldn't have gone much better. Recorded in Nashville with a serious crew, it finds a respectable balance between earthy and polished, sounding true to all parties involved."

The Blind Boys have recently been playing live with guests from the record and others involved in the Country scene. At the recent New Orleans Jazzfest, The Blind Boys joined Jamey Johnson (who co-produced and guests on Take the High Road) for "I Saw the Light." The song is also on Take the High Road. The Blind Boys stuck around to join headliner, Wille Nelson, another guest on their new CD, for his rendition of "I Saw the Light." The night before, they were joined by fellow Rosebud artist Jim Lauderdale for their set at legendary New Orleans venue, Tipitina's. Following Jazzfest, The Blind Boys traveled North, playing with special guests The Oak Ridge Boys (also on the new album) at their show in New York City.

Check out this video of The Blind Boys joined by Jamey Johnson and the Oak Ridge Boys live on Fox and Friends (Fox News) on May 10, 2011, performing "I Saw the Light." Founding member of The Blind Boys Jimmy Carter was also recently interviewed on The Tavis Smiley Show from Public Radio International, click here to listen to it.

Catch The Blind Boys performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>


MARCH 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured in New Movie HOP (out April 1st) Plus Daily Inspirational Twitter Posts

Five time GRAMMY Award and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winners, The Blind Boys of Alabama make an on-screen appearance in the new movie HOP (Universal Pictures), in theaters April 1, 2011. The film, starring James Marsden, Elizabeth Perkins and the voice of Russell Brand, among others, is from the creators of Despicable Me and blends CG animation with live action. Hop tells the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny who heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock 'n' roll band. The Blind Boys' cameo appearance revolves around E.B. stumbling upon the band in the studio while they are recording the song "Higher Ground" for the video game "Extreme Blues Master." E.B. sneaks into the session and plays drums with the group. Director Tim Hill explains, "For the story, it helped that they couldn't see that E.B. was a rabbit and he was 'filling in' while their drummer was on a break."

Also on April 1st, The Blind Boys will launch a series of inspirational tweet of the day messages, "BB Wisdom," via their Twitter account. Drawing from their vast history of gospel music and lyrics as well as their faith and life experience, members of the group will post personal and spiritual messages that have inspired them throughout their careers and lives at twitter.com/blindboys. The band will also use Twitter to keep in touch with fans about tour dates and their new album, Take The High Road, which will be released on May 3, 2011. Take The High Road is a traditional country-gospel album, co-produced by acclaimed country music artist Jamey Johnson, who also performs on the CD along with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Catch The Blind Boys performing live on stage, including a Tour of Australia and New Zealand in mid-April, which will feature Aaron Neville performing with the group and on which half the dates will be shared with fellow Rosebud artist Mavis Staples, please see Tour Dates >>


 
MARCH 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama Releasing New Album Take The High Road on May 3rd

Five time GRAMMY Award and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winners, The Blind Boys of Alabama will release Take The High Road, a traditional country-gospel album on May 3rd, 2011. The album was co-produced by acclaimed country music artist Jamey Johnson, who also performs on it along with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and The Oak Ridge Boys.

The concept for the collaboration started with original Blind Boy Jimmy Carter's longstanding love of country music and his desire to do a traditional country-tinged gospel album. Last year, his idea started to take shape when the Blind Boys were asked to curate a series of shows at the prestigious Lincoln Center Festival in New York City. One of the sold-out nights featured country artists Ralph Stanley, Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel) and Allison Moorer performing with The Blind Boys. Soon after, they met Jamey Johnson and asked him to join them in singing the traditional song "Down By The Riverside" at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Their mutual respect and shared passion for old-time gospel music made for a powerful performance, and that moment led to the Blind Boys asking Jamey to produce their next CD.

"Out of all the records we've done together, this has been the most natural," co-producer, and former Rosebud agent, Chris Goldsmith insists (he has produced or executive produced every Blind Boys album since 2001). "The connection between the material, the Nashville guests, and the Blind Boys felt like destiny. Somewhere in history, these two almost identical styles of music - country and gospel - went their separate ways. This record brings them back together." Says Jimmy Carter, "These two traditions are very similar... We want to sing good music, no matter what kind it is. Most of all, we want to touch people's lives. We want to leave them a message they can feed upon throughout their lives."

Check out The Blind Boys performing live on stage, including a Tour of Australia and New Zealand in the last half of April, please see Tour Dates >>


 
FEBRUARY 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured on 700 Club

The 5-time GRAMMY winning Blind Boys of Alabama were recently (February 7, 2011) featured on 700 Club, with both a profile piece and a performance. The show is seen daily by over 1 million viewers and airs on ABC Family, TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Cable) and Family Net (satellite). The Blind Boys have recently returned from touring Europe, including shows in Greece, Sweden, Poland, Norway, Finland, Scotland, The Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. Catch them performing live on a stage near you, please see Tour Dates >>


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