Ricky McKinnie Discusses The Blind Boys' Latest Grammy Win, Their PBS Special and More
No stranger to the Grammy Awards, the Blind Boys of Alabama have won multiple Grammy Awards and received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. A testament to their longevity and the relevance of their music, the group appeals to an eclectic audience of younger and older fans alike, including devotees of roots music and devout Christian believers, who are encouraged by the positive message and uplifting traditional gospel sounds for which the group is known.
Recently, I caught up with my friend, Ricky McKinnie, longtime member of the Blind Boys to discuss their recent Grammy win, their exciting PBS television special and some special upcoming milestones.
Back home in Atlanta following the Grammys and a string of tour dates, Ricky chatted with me via telephone. When I asked what it's like to win a Grammy on Sunday night and have your PBS special air the following evening, Ricky replied, "When we won the Best Roots Gospel Album, it let me know that we still have life. God still has something for us to do. Echoes of the South was the first radio show the Blind Boys had, and it was the title of that album that won. My good friend, Paul Beasley, has passed and Jimmy Carter has retired, but that Grammy reminded me that the music lives on, and there's something left for the Blind Boys to do."
Recently, I caught up with my friend, Ricky McKinnie, longtime member of the Blind Boys to discuss their recent Grammy win, their exciting PBS television special and some special upcoming milestones.
Back home in Atlanta following the Grammys and a string of tour dates, Ricky chatted with me via telephone. When I asked what it's like to win a Grammy on Sunday night and have your PBS special air the following evening, Ricky replied, "When we won the Best Roots Gospel Album, it let me know that we still have life. God still has something for us to do. Echoes of the South was the first radio show the Blind Boys had, and it was the title of that album that won. My good friend, Paul Beasley, has passed and Jimmy Carter has retired, but that Grammy reminded me that the music lives on, and there's something left for the Blind Boys to do."
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Tore Sætre / Wikimedia
The album includes "Friendship," a song penned by Homer Banks and Lester Snell and made famous by Pops Staples. Covered by everyone from Chris Stapleton to Norah Jones and Mavis Staples in their notable duet, the song found its way on Echoes of the South and onto the Grammy nominations list in the category of Best Americana Performance (where it was bested by "Dear Insecurity" by Brandy Clark and Brandi Carlisle). Ricky says, "As long as there is "Friendship," as long as the music meets the hearts - and I always say that everything from the heart meets the heart - then everything is gonna be alright."
When asked if the loss of Paul and Jimmy's retirement made the most recent Grammy win somewhat poignant, Ricky acknowledged the challenge of transitions, but shared, "I was privileged to know the guys who have passed away through the years, and we miss Jimmy, but you keep going on. I'm a dreamer. As long as you do the work and keep the faith, it's gonna be okay." Quoting his late mother, Sarah McKinnie Shivers, Ricky said, "People need people, and working together works," as he expressed optimism about the next season for the Blind Boys.
When asked if the loss of Paul and Jimmy's retirement made the most recent Grammy win somewhat poignant, Ricky acknowledged the challenge of transitions, but shared, "I was privileged to know the guys who have passed away through the years, and we miss Jimmy, but you keep going on. I'm a dreamer. As long as you do the work and keep the faith, it's gonna be okay." Quoting his late mother, Sarah McKinnie Shivers, Ricky said, "People need people, and working together works," as he expressed optimism about the next season for the Blind Boys.
Our conversation then turned to the PBS special, A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion III, which featured a full symphony orchestra and a combined choir from Alabama's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Miles College, Tuskegee University and Talladega College, conducted by the University of Alabama's Dr. Panion. Ricky says the one-hour concert documentary "had a big effect in the beginning after its release," and he adds that people are still calling and letting the group know they are still watching. "A black blind quartet," Ricky declares, "is unheard of these days, especially performing with a symphony."
As the conversation drew to a close, I asked Ricky what else is in store for the Blind Boys in the foreseeable future. "On March 19, a book will release. It's called Spirit of the Century: The Blind Boys of Alabama Story. Due to presales, Ricky points out that "the book was momentarily a best seller on the Amazon Blues Book Sales chart and remains in the top 100 R&B and Soul Biographies."
Meanwhile, on February 25, 2024, Ricky will be receiving the Catalyst Award at the Our Soundtrack in American Music Masters & Free Finale Concert, hosted by the How Big Is Your Dream?! Foundation. This event will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
14 February 2024. By Greg Freeman.
As the conversation drew to a close, I asked Ricky what else is in store for the Blind Boys in the foreseeable future. "On March 19, a book will release. It's called Spirit of the Century: The Blind Boys of Alabama Story. Due to presales, Ricky points out that "the book was momentarily a best seller on the Amazon Blues Book Sales chart and remains in the top 100 R&B and Soul Biographies."
Meanwhile, on February 25, 2024, Ricky will be receiving the Catalyst Award at the Our Soundtrack in American Music Masters & Free Finale Concert, hosted by the How Big Is Your Dream?! Foundation. This event will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
14 February 2024. By Greg Freeman.
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