The Blind Boys of Alabama Sing

Grammy-winning group performs, I Know a Place

from: My Generation, July 6, 2011

The Blind Boys of Alabama have been performing for over 70 years and are legends in the world of Southern gospel. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded them one of the nation's highest honors when it recognized them as National Heritage Fellows in 1994.

Despite pressure throughout their entire career to "cross over" to rock 'n' roll, the group resisted. As founder Clarence Fountain told the NEA: "See, I was head of the Blind Boys, I was the lead singer. And there was no way we were going to go pop or rock. Who needed it? Our bellies were full, we had no headaches, we were happy. At least, I was happy singing real gospel."

See also: Launch the AARP Internet Radio player and enjoy the Gospel Channel.

Recently, members of The Blind Boys visited our AARP studios for a live musical performance, then spoke with Prime Time Radio host Mike Cuthbert about their career and lives. The Blind Boys of Alabama also perform on AARP's My Generation.

Original member Jimmy Carter explains why singing with The Blind Boys of Alabama is his calling. In this first video excerpt, Carter and the group give a complete in-studio performance of I Know a Place and in the next clip they sing part of Jesus Built a Bridge to Heaven. Both songs are featured on their new release, Take the High Road.