Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story

＂The Blind Boys of Alabama are the quintessential gospel vocal group, and the longest-running musical institution in America. Their story intersects with pivotal moments and issues in American history and is [a] ... prism through which to trace music, culture, history, and race in America. [This book] invites readers to follow along the Blind Boys’ eight-decade journey together, from a segregated trade school through the rough and tumble indie record game and grinding tour schedule of the golden age of gospel, to starring in an iconic Broadway musical, performing at the White House for three presidents twice, collaborating with Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and Ben Harper, among others, singing the theme song for ’The Wire,’ and winning five Grammys. More than just a story of the Blind Boys’ illustrious career, Spirit of the Century also sheds new light on the larger world of African American gospel music, its origins, and the colorful characters at its center’

The Blind Boys of Alabama are the longest running group in American music and have been performing gospel music since 1939. In addition to being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, they have won numerous honors for the music, including five Grammy Awards, and were presented with the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. This is their first book.

Preston Lauterbach (coauthor) is the author/co-author of numerous books, including Brother Robert, Bluff City, Beale Street Dynasty, and The Chitlin’Circuit. He lives near Charlottesville, Virginia.