Although the Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing gospel music for more than five decades, it's only recently that the group has had the benefit of a major record company behind them. The founding members were Clarence Fountain, Johnny Fields, George Scott, Ollice Thomas, and Vel Trayler. The current group consists of Eric McKinney, Billy Bowers, Jimmy Carter, Joey Williams, and Donald Dillion.
From their inception in the 1930s, when all were boys, all members of the group except one were blind. They began singing when all were students, in the glee club, at the Talladega Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Alabama, but didn't begin recording until 1948. As a youth, Fountain heard the legendary Golden Gate Quintet on the radio; the early Five Blind Boys of Alabama took their musical cues from that group. The group began singing professionally as the Happyland Jubilee Singers, and for years only toured the Bible Belt in the Southern U.S.
Since 1948, they've recorded for a variety of small record companies, and had gospel music hits in the 1950s with "Oh, Lord Stand By Me" and "I Can See Everybody's Mother But I Can't See Mine". In 1950, after the death of one of their members, the group renamed themselves simply the Blind Boys of Alabama.
The group recorded first for the Newark-based Coleman Records label. Between 1953 and 1957, the group recorded for Art Rupe's California-based Specialty label. In the 1960s, the group's hard-driving gospel sounds were imitated by people like Bobby "Blue" Bland and Marvin Gaye. The group recorded extensively for the Vee Jay label from 1963 to 1965. In 1969, Fountain left the group for a decade to try to make it on his own, and the group re-formed with all the original members in the late 1970s.
They gained widespread success in 1988, when they starred in an Obie Award-winning Broadway show. According to Fountain, the group's high point was being on Broadway for 15 weeks with the musical Gospel at Colonus. The musical opened up new avenues to bookings for the group, and they began touring theaters and larger churches in the early 1990s, embarking on their first European tours as well. The group was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship in 1994. In 1994 and 1995, the group played festivals including the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Beale Street Music Festival and the King Biscuit Blues Festival. The group also toured in Melbourne, Australia and the World's Fair, in Brisbane.
Mid-1990s television appearances included Black Entertainment Television's On Jazz, and even a cameo on Beverly Hills, 90210.
Since the turn of the century, founding members, George Scott (2005) and Johnny Fields (2009) passed away. Clarence Fountain remains the only living founding member. The group is still performing, under the vocal leadership of longtime member, Jimmy Carter. Releases by the group in recent years have been favorites at the Grammy Awards — they have won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album every year since 2002. The Blind Boys of Alabama were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2002. Their cover of the Tom Waits song "Way Down in The Hole" was featured as the opening theme for season one of HBO's The Wire. In 2008 they released Down in New Orleans, on which they were accompanied by such Crescent City legends as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Allen Toussaint.
Founding members
Jimmy Carter – vocals
Clarence Fountain – vocals (November 28, 1929 - June, 3, 2018)
Johnny Fields (deceased) – vocals
George Scott (d. 2005) – vocals
Olice Thomas (deceased) – vocals
Vel Bozman Traylor (deceased) – vocals
Past members
Bishop Billy Bowers (deceased, July 2, 2013) – vocals
Caleb Butler – rhythm guitar
Samuel Butler Jr – rhythm guitar, songwriter and arranger, manager, second lead singer
Roscoe Robinson – lead vocals
Charles Porter - vocals
Lamont Blount (deceased) – band manager
Higher Ground
The Blind Boys Of Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soldiers keep on warrin'
World keep on turnin'
Cause it won't be too long
Powers keep on lyin'
While your people keep on dyin'
World keep on turnin'
I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin'
Till I reach my highest ground
Teachers keep on teachin'
Preachers keep on preachin'
World keep on turnin'
Cause it won't be too long
Oh no
Prayers keep on prayin'
Believers keep on believin'
Sleepers just stop sleepin'
Cause it won't be too long
Oh no
I'm so glad that he let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin'
Till I reach my highest ground...Whew!
Till I reach my highest ground
No one's gonna bring me down
Till I reach my highest ground
Don't let nobody bring you down
Till I reach my highest ground
God is gonna show you higher ground
He's the only friend you have around
....
The Blind Boys Of Alabama's song Higher Ground is a soulful gospel track about the struggles of life and the perseverance needed to overcome them. The song opens with the acknowledgement that people keep on learning, soldiers keep on warring, and the world keeps on turning - a reminder that life is constantly moving forward, and we must keep up with it. However, the second line highlights the unfortunate reality that people keep on dying while those in power keep on lying. Despite this, the chorus reminds us to keep trying as we move towards our highest ground - our ultimate destination and goal.
The second verse of the song emphasizes the importance of education and faith, with the encouragement to keep on teaching, preaching, praying, and believing. The repetition of "it won't be too long" throughout the song seems to suggest that, despite the hardships we face in life, there is hope for a brighter future.
The last lines of the song provide a sense of empowerment as the singer declares that no one will bring them down on their journey to their highest ground. They also remind us that God is the only true friend we have in this world. Overall, the song's lyrics convey a message of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
People keep on learnin'
Despite the challenges and obstacles, people continue to acquire knowledge.
Soldiers keep on warrin'
The military continues to engage in conflicts and battle.
World keep on turnin'
The world still moves forward despite the changes and difficulties that arise.
Cause it won't be too long
As time passes, things will inevitably change and improve for the better.
Powers keep on lyin'
Those in positions of authority and influence continue to deceive and mislead others.
While your people keep on dyin'
Inequality and injustice lead to unnecessary suffering and death.
I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
The singer is grateful for the opportunity to make amends and improve upon past mistakes.
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
The artist reflects on a past filled with wrongdoing and immoral behavior.
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
The artist has learned from past mistakes and gained wisdom that helps them navigate life better.
Gonna keep on tryin'
The artist is committed to continuing their pursuit of self-improvement and growth.
Till I reach my highest ground
The singer seeks to achieve personal excellence and reach their highest potential.
Teachers keep on teachin'
Educators continue to impart knowledge and guidance to their students.
Preachers keep on preachin'
Religious leaders continue to spread their messages and encourage faith.
Prayers keep on prayin'
Believers continue to offer prayers and seek spiritual guidance.
Believers keep on believin'
Despite setbacks or doubts, those with faith continue to hold on to their beliefs.
Sleepers just stop sleepin'
Those who are apathetic or indifferent need to wake up and take action.
God is gonna show you higher ground
The artist has faith that divine guidance can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
He's the only friend you have around
The singer acknowledges that having faith and spiritual connection can offer comfort and guidance during difficult times.
Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ray Ursillo
People keep on learnin', soldiers keep on warrin'
World keep on turnin' 'cause it won't be too long
Powers keep on lyin' while your people keep on dyin'
World keep on turnin' 'cause it won't be too long
I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
'Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sin
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin' till I reach the highest ground
Teachers keep on teachin', preachers keep on preachin'
World keep on turnin' 'cause it won't be too long
Oh no, lovers keep on lovin', believers keep on believin'
Sleepers just stop sleepin' 'cause it won't be too long, oh no
I'm so glad that he let me try it again
'Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin' till I reach my highest ground
Whew, till I reach my highest ground
No one's gonna bring me down
Oh no, till I reach my highest ground
Don't you let nobody bring you down
(They'll sho 'nuff try)
God is gonna show you higher ground
He's the only friend you have around
Dorothy
This is a great rendition of one of Stevie's greatest spiritual songs.
rodsreel
Man this is so real music I feel simply uplifted not bad for a Scots guy stuck in a snow blizzard in the Scottish Highlands. This music can reach anywhere. Jesus
Mike Schneider
cheers from berlin germany mate
Gordon Fox
The Blind Boys of Alabama put their foot in this!
preacherae
These guys are blessed decade after decade. I love their music.
salonsixtytwo
Wicked love it..that slide guitar is amazing....
Matt K
Killer bass groove ...
kodar Grisss
Saw them for the first time on link TV about 5 years ago and they are still great
Elijah Whittier
These guys maybe born blind, but they totally rock!
redhotjcc
Man, I called this by ear from Fargo end credits just now. The second singer was too easy to recognize for any fan of The Wire. This is a nice version I wish I had heard of before tonight.