The group was founded in 1969 by Russell Knighton at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the group was called the Macalester College Black Voices. It was in 1971 when current director Gary Hines took leadership over the ensemble, and the group name was officially changed to Sounds of Blackness.
The chief lead singer of the group was Ann Nesby until 1995 when Nesby left the group to pursue a solo career. The group continues to perform internationally. The group performed the original songs for the 1999 Disney animated short John Henry (based on the folklore character) as part of Disney's American Legends, the short was re-released in 2015 as part of the Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection. The original songs were written by Gary Hines and Billy Steele, with a score by Stephen James Taylor
The group has received three Grammy Awards, four Stellar Awards, one Emmy nomination, the International Time for Peace Award, the International Dance Music Award, five NAACP Image Award nominations and 1 NAACP Image Award.
Sounds of Blackness's "Time For Love" was nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for R&B Song of the year.
I
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
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I believe in the power and I never, ever doubt
Every minute, every hour I believe
I believe in myself 'cause I know I'll get my help
From the power in the sky I believe
No need askin' where I've been, just ask me where I'm goin'
I live my life knowin' all the roads ahead of me
Are filled with peace and love
Every step so heavenly, you'll fall and bounce right up
All miracles and dreams are realized for me through faith
Nothing seems impossible if you believe
I believe in the power and I never ever doubt
Every minute, every hour I believe
I believe in myself 'cause I know I'll get my help
From the power in the sky I believe
Lookin' in the mirror I can see my eyes are glowing
Living testimony that the spirit keeps me goin'
Oh, I'm feeling so good, got to raise my hands an rejoice
Say a few words to praise Him, every time I lift my voice
All miracles and dreams realized for me through faith
Nothin' seems impossible if you believe
I believe in the power and I never ever doubt
Every minute, every hour I believe
I believe in myself 'cause I know I'll get my help
From the power in the sky I believe
The lyrics of "I Believe" by Sounds of Blackness express the power of belief and faith in oneself and a higher power. The song starts by asserting the belief in the power that never fades away, every minute, every hour. The belief in oneself is also evident as the singer affirms that help will come from the power in the sky.
The next section of the song maintains that the singer has no shame in the past and looks forward to his journey with peace and love. He believes that every step will be heavenly, and every miracle and dream will be realized through faith. The belief that nothing seems impossible if you believe in yourself is also reiterated.
The chorus repeats the assurance of unbreakable belief in the power and oneself. The bridge of "I Believe" provides a moment of spiritual exaltation. The singer observes his eyes glowing when he looks in the mirror, a sign of the spirit keeping him going. He feels so good that he rejoices by raising his hands and praising the higher power. Finally, the song ends with a restatement of the power of faith and belief in oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I believe
I have faith and trust in something greater than myself.
I believe in the power and I never, ever doubt
I have complete faith in the power and never question its ability.
Every minute, every hour I believe
My faith is constant and continuous.
I believe in myself 'cause I know I'll get my help
I have faith in my own abilities and know that I can find help when I need it.
From the power in the sky I believe
I believe that the help I need can come from a higher power.
No need askin' where I've been, just ask me where I'm goin'
My past is not important, my future is where my focus lies.
'Cause I won't be ashamed to tell ya
I am proud of who I am and will not hide or be embarrassed by my choices or beliefs.
I live my life knowin' all the roads ahead of me
I am confident in my path and what lies ahead.
Are filled with peace and love
My path is one of harmony, positivity, and kindness.
Every step so heavenly, you'll fall and bounce right up
My journey may have obstacles but with faith, I will always recover.
All miracles and dreams are realized for me through faith
I believe in the possibility of miracles and that my dreams can come true through my faith.
Nothing seems impossible if you believe
With faith, even the seemingly impossible becomes possible.
Lookin' in the mirror I can see my eyes are glowing
I am filled with joy and positivity which emanates through my eyes.
Living testimony that the spirit keeps me goin'
My life is proof that the spirit or higher power fuels me.
Oh, I'm feeling so good, got to raise my hands an rejoice
I am filled with so much positivity that I need to express that by raising my hands and rejoicing.
Say a few words to praise Him, every time I lift my voice
I express gratitude and praise to the higher power with every opportunity.
All miracles and dreams realized for me through faith
My faith brings about the realization of my dreams and miracles.
Nothin' seems impossible if you believe
My faith makes everything possible.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ISAAC FELDSTEIN, LANCE MORRISON, MARC FERRARI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@truskool1971
Haven't played or heard it in YEARS and out of nowhere , I literally came running toward this song!....
People.....I guess I came to tell whoever it is that needs to hear this ......
Look here ......Don't you ever EVER give up!
its ok to bump, drag and scrape your face along that cold hard ground for as long as it takes but NEVER you despair !.....
And remember it is always the darkest right before the dawn and the dawn will come!
TRUST ME BECAUSE I KNOW THIS FIRST HAND !
y'all got me here with tears in my eyes and all,
I guess I'm done.
@joannlaney1237
? Who listening in 2023 this song got me in a chokehold for Jesus. No matter what you going thru be optimistic. God got u
@angelinarobertson2130
I’m listening , this song is everything to me
@cyyrious
I was a homeless teenage mom on welfare a little rambunctious 🥴 truly lost and defeated not knowing what I was going to do … everytime this sound came on the radio it would give me soooo much power and faith… I remember promising my kid we would make it … almost 30 yrs later I raised a beautiful kid who has a family I became a doctor traveled the world and helped others along the way….I’m forever grateful 🙏🏽
@charlenapayton746
Salute to you queen
@danw1374
Fair play bless you. Glad to hear things worked out in the end. Belief in yourself is everything ❤️
@gregorymathena9224
Wow that gives me hope. What you've done is truly amazing. Salute to you
@eddiemurphy2602
I love how music can be fuel and inspiration for the soul that shines light through tough times.
@santoniobrown8562
All praises are due to the MOST HIGH 🙏 🙌 ✨️ 😌 💯! Thanks for your comment and testimony...The world needs to see this... peace love and blessings to you and your family .
@CrossDog84
The 90s were such an optimistic decade. Its no coincidence that this song was released in 1991. Something spiritual was happening thru these artist! Always believe!
@princesap4146
I agree. I think this was around the time Mariah Carey released a song called, “Make it Happen” which is also very spiritual. ❤