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The Blind Boys of Alabama

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Clarence Fountain, Leader And Founding Member Of Blind Boys Of Alabama, Dies At 88

Clarence Fountain, founding member and longtime leader of The Blind Boys of Alabama. The singer died June 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, La. (Photo by J. Shearer/WireImage) J. Shearer/WireImage hide caption

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Music News

Clarence Fountain, Leader And Founding Member Of Blind Boys Of Alabama, Dies At 88

June 4, 2018 • After forming the group in 1944, Fountain would remain steadfast in his dedication to the gospel form and resist pressure to go more commercial with R&B and rock and roll.

Maggie Starbard/NPR

Tiny Desk

The Blind Boys Of Alabama: Tiny Desk Concert

July 5, 2011 • Whether young or old, blind or sighted, these gospel greats craft an impeccable mix of polished blues, swinging soul and from-the-gut expressions of faith.

The Blind Boys Of Alabama: Tiny Desk Concert

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Holiday Music

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

November 27, 2007 • Clarence Fountain and his legendary gospel group have won four Grammy Awards in as many years. In this program, the first in NPR's new "Discoveries at Disney Hall" series, they present their own take on Christmas classics, along with some gospel favorites like "I'm a Soldier in the Army of the Lord."

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

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Music Interviews

The Blind Boys of Alabama: 'Atom Bomb'

March 16, 2005 • Legendary gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing for more than 60 years. NPR's Farai Chideya talks with the members about their new CD Atom Bomb.

The Blind Boys of Alabama: 'Atom Bomb'

Audio will be available later today.

Review

Director's Cuts

Director's Cuts: The 2003 CD Gift Guide

November 30, 2003 • Weekend Edition Sunday music director Ned Wharton presents his annual holiday gift guide, with the latest edition of "Director's Cuts." Suggestions include the Blind Boys of Alabama (left), whose new CD, Go Tell It On the Mountain, features vocals by Tom Wait, Chrissie Hynde and others.

Director's Cuts: The 2003 CD Gift Guide

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Music Interviews

The Blind Boys of Alabama

December 25, 2002 • Tavis Smiley interviews Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter, two of the Blind Boys of Alabama, about their CD Higher Ground.

The Blind Boys of Alabama

Audio will be available later today.

Music Interviews

The Blind Boys of Alabama

September 1, 2002 • The Blind Boys of Alabama's new album Higher Ground features the singing group working with a full band and covering popular tunes flavored with their distinctive gospel style. On Weekend Edition Sunday, a talk with founding member Clarence Fountain.

The Blind Boys of Alabama

Audio will be available later today.

Review

Music Reviews

Blind Boys of Alabama

July 19, 2001 • The Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing gospel for more than 60 years. But with their new CD, the group puts a reverent spin on some blues standards. NPR's David D'Arcy reports that the Blind Boys can turn just about any song into a gospel song — as long as the words are sacred.

Blind Boys of Alabama

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