{"title":"The Blind Boys of Alabama","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Blind Boys of Alabama are not just musical icons; their lives and experiences offer rich narratives worthy of reflection and study. This collection of books brings insight into the journey of these remarkable artists, particularly highlighted in works like \u003cem\u003eSpirit of the Century\u003c\/em\u003e. As you delve into the \u003cstrong\u003eBiography \u0026amp; Memoir\u003c\/strong\u003e category, you'll discover stories of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginating from a small school for the blind in the 1930s, this soulful gospel group rose to global acclaim, defying the odds and overcoming societal barriers. These books encapsulate the spirit and determination that guided The Blind Boys of Alabama through decades of musical evolution and cultural change. With heartfelt anecdotes and powerful reflections, this collection guarantees an inspiring read for anyone interested in the fusion of music, history, and personal triumph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these pages, you can explore the lives behind the legendary voices, gain a deeper understanding of their impact on gospel music, and appreciate the legacy of perseverance they embody. Ideal for music lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about the rich tapestry of human experience, The Blind Boys of Alabama's narrative is both educational and profoundly moving.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"spirit-of-the-century-by-the-blind-boys-of-alabama-9780306828218","title":"Spirit of the Century","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAn insider history of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the longest running group in American music, and the untold story of their world, written with band members and key musical colleagues, drawing from the group's private archive.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blind Boys of Alabama are the quintessential Gospel vocal group, and the longest-running musical institution in America. Their story intersects with pivotal moments and issues in American history and is an ideal prism through which to trace music, culture, history, and race in America. \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century\u003c\/i\u003e invites readers to follow along the Blind Boys' eight-decade journey together from a segregated trade school, through the rough and tumble indie record game and grinding tour schedule of the golden age of gospel, to starring in an iconic Broadway musical, performing at the White House for three presidents twice, collaborating with Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and Ben Harper, among others, singing the theme song for \"The Wire,\" and winning five Grammys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than just a story of the Blind Boys' illustrious career, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century\u003c\/i\u003e also sheds new light on the larger world of African American gospel music, its origins, and the colourful characters at its centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThough there have been several iterations of the group over the decades, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century\u003c\/i\u003e rounds up all surviving members of the group as contributors to the telling of their own story, and as a result, the book offers a unique and intimate perspective on the group's enduring success. Current drummer and road manager Rickie McKinney has been with the group throughout its renaissance, while guitarist Joey Williams, the group's sighted member, has been the eyes of the Blind Boys since 1992.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOctogenarian Jimmy Lee Carter has a fascinating history, as a fellow student of the original but deceased Blind Boys Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Olice Thomas, Johnny Fields, J.T. Hutton, and Velma Traylor at the Talladega school. Carter is one of a few performers who have been in both the Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi. He fronts the Alabama group today as a classic quartet leader and fiery preacher. Along with extensive interviews of Fountain, these legendary musicians provide this book with the voice, firsthand perspective, and authenticity that bring their story the same inspirational power that you hear in their songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThought-provoking, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century\u003c\/i\u003e is a fascinating and one-of-a-kind read that you won't be able to put down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46845804445932,"sku":"9780306828218","price":65.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6022553482297.jpg?v=1758896724"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/the-blind-boys-of-alabama.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}