Beyond Skin release ‘Afghan Girl’: a story of resilience and artistic freedom
Afghan Girl is a WOMAD Foundation-supported project.
Wed, 27 August 25
The Blind Boys of Alabama to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Americana Music Association
It has been announced that The Blind Boys of Alabama are set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, at their 23rd annual ceremony to be held on 18 September at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Other honourees include Dwight Yoakam, Shelby Lynne and Rev. Gary.
The Blind Boys of Alabama was established in Alabama in 1939 and in the ensuing decades came to redefine gospel music with their songs and performances. They are multi-Grammy winners and Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees, and found mainstream acclaim following the group’s role in the 1983 musical The Gospel at Colonus. They went on to perform and record with artists including Prince, Bonnie Raitt and Peter Gabriel.
In a message to their mailing list the Blind Boys of Alabama said; “Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen and all of you for coming to see our shows and spinning our music over the years.”
A recent biography, Spirit of the Century, charts the history of the group. Their story intersecting with pivotal moments and issues in American history and becoming an ideal prism through which to trace music, culture, history, and race in America. Peter is quoted on the cover of the book.
“This is an extraordinary story of an extraordinary group—a wonderful account of how these young men conquered their difficulties to become one of the most legendary and inspirational groups of our time.” — Peter Gabriel
Real World Records released four albums by The Blind Boys of Alabama in the early 2000s, Spirit of the Century, Higher Ground, Go Tell It On The Mountain and Atom Bomb.
Featured release
-
Released 26 August 2002
An album pulling together a rich assortment of classic and contemporary spiritual songs, many from the soul music tradition. Featuring compositions from Curtis Mayfield, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Cliff, Ben Harper, Stevie Wonder, and, yes, even Funkadelic.
MAILING LIST
Embark on a voyage of musical discovery with us by signing up to the Real World newsletters
Further reading
Montparnasse Musique launch immersive exhibition and sonic journey, Kinjotour
Kinjotour runs from 10 October to 7 December 2025 in Lille, France.
Thu, 09 October 25
‘I’m really moved by people’s response to it’ – John Metcalfe discusses the album Tree
John Metcalfe releases three new remixes of tracks from his album 'Tree' and brings a special perfor...
Wed, 24 July 24
Track of the Day: ‘Niña De La Risa’ by Clara Serra López
Clara Serra López is a Spanish born vocalist, composer, songwriter and keys player based in London...
Thu, 10 July 25