Legendary Gospel Vocal Group; Multiple Grammy Award Winners; Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees; Known for "The Gospel at Colonus"

Talladega, AL, USA
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

The Blind Boys of Alabama Biography

The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized as one of the most enduring gospel groups in American music history. Originating at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind in Talladega, six members of the school's male chorus began performing gospel music as the Happy Land Jubilee Singers. The founding members—Clarence Fountain, Velma Bozman Traylor, Johnny Fields, Ollice Thomas, George Scott, and the only sighted member, J. T. Hutton—eventually left school to tour the gospel circuit. Touring throughout the South during the Jim Crow era, the Blind Boys developed a sound that blended the close harmonies of early jubilee gospel with the improvisational style of hard gospel.

The Blind Boys of Alabama emerged in the mid-20th century, performing traditional Black gospel music in a segregated South during the Civil Rights movement. The group is recognized for helping to define gospel traditions and for contributing to the evolution of gospel music. Their career includes a starring role in the Obie Award-winning musical "The Gospel at Colonus," which marked a significant chapter in their history. Their rendition of "Way Down in the Hole," written by Tom Waits, was used as the theme song for the HBO series "The Wire."

The Blind Boys have been honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and have won multiple Grammy Awards. Their albums "Spirit of the Century," "Higher Ground," and "Go Tell It on the Mountain" have received critical acclaim. The group also appeared in the PBS Special "A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion, III," performing with a symphony orchestra and a choir from Alabama's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Known for crossing musical boundaries, the Blind Boys interpret a range of material from traditional gospel to contemporary songs by artists such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits. They have collaborated with musicians including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal. The Blind Boys have performed at the White House for three presidents. The book "Spirit of the Century" provides an insider history of the group and their impact on American music.

The Blind Boys of Alabama are regarded as a quintessential gospel vocal group and one of the longest-running musical institutions in the United States. Their story intersects with pivotal moments in American history, reflecting the evolution of music, culture, and race. Their live performances are known for their energy and broad appeal, and the group continues to inspire audiences worldwide through their commitment to gospel music, faith, and resilience.

BOOK The Blind Boys of Alabama

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Videos

The Blind Boys of Alabama Interview with Jimmy Carter

The Blind Boys of Alabama Interview with Jimmy Carter

The Blind Boys Of Alabama "Amazing Grace"

The Blind Boys Of Alabama "Amazing Grace"

  • How do I book The Blind Boys of Alabama to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like The Blind Boys of Alabama for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for The Blind Boys of Alabama, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for The Blind Boys of Alabama or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for The Blind Boys of Alabama

    Speaking fees for The Blind Boys of Alabama, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book The Blind Boys of Alabama are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire The Blind Boys of Alabama, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does The Blind Boys of Alabama speak about?

    The Blind Boys of Alabama is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Christian, Disability, Hall of Fame, Music, Storytelling
  • Where does The Blind Boys of Alabama travel from?

    The Blind Boys of Alabama generally travels from Talladega, AL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is The Blind Boys of Alabama’s agent?

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The Blind Boys of Alabama is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book The Blind Boys of Alabama for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. The Blind Boys of Alabama generally travels from Talladega, AL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Girl Named Tom, Shirley Caesar, Erica Campbell, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and EagleMania. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling The Blind Boys of Alabama for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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