The Blind Boys of Alabama are like the holy grail of musical groups—unlike most bands that only stay together for a few years, they’ve been together since 1944 and haven’t slowed down yet. So, you gotta wanna know, what’s their secret? “When people ask me,” says band member Jimmy Carter. “I tell them it’s because we love what we do. It keeps you motivated.” The Grammy Awards and famous artist collaborators like Tom Waits and Prince (just to name two) probably don’t hurt either. But, the main reason the Blind Boys have kept their brand of soul-fuelled gospel going is thanks to more spiritual motivators, like the big guy in the sky. “You know, I just love to sing gospel and get the response from the crowds and give up the gospel message,” Carter says. “We’ve been known to touch people’s lives. That’s what it’s all about. If you can touch one life, then all of this is worthwhile.” –LRB
Saturday, Feb 9, 8pm, Rebecca Cohn, 6101 University Ave, $58.50-$70
This article appears in Feb 7-13, 2013.