In Friday’s (6/8) News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), Jack Bernhardt and David Menconi preview the North Carolina Symphony’s June 9 Summerfest concert with the Blind Boys of Alabama, the gospel quartet. “The Blind Boys and their music have evolved in step with changes in American society. Originating during the Jim Crow era of segregation, the members experienced the indignities of restricted lodging and meal sources that imposed inconveniences and indignities upon African-American entertainers…. The Blind Boys’ style is an updated version of Jubilee, a style of gospel music that emerged in the 1930s…. The quartet, originally named Happyland Jubilee Singers … turned professional in 1945. Soon, they changed their name to the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. It was during this time that Jubilee, characterized by smooth harmonies and often shared vocal leads, gave rise to the ‘hard quartets’ led by powerful lead singers. For the Blind Boys, that singer was the legendary Clarence Fountain, who died this week at age 88…. Saturday’s concert will be conducted by Wesley Schulz, who believes the legendary quartet fits perfectly … ‘when we are looking to program our Summerfest concerts. One of our goals is to program a variety of music.’ ”
Posted June 11, 2018
