{"product_id":"spirit-of-the-century-our-own-story-9780306828218","title":"Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn insider history of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the longest running group in American music, and the untold story of their world, written with band members and key musical colleagues.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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 an ideal prism through which to trace music, culture, history, and race in America. \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century \u003c\/i\u003einvites 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, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century \u003c\/i\u003ealso sheds new light on the larger world of African American gospel music, its origins, and the colorful characters at its center. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Though there have been several iterations of the group over the decades, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century \u003c\/i\u003erounds up all surviving members of the group as contributors to the telling of their own story, and a result, the book offers a unique and intimate perspective on the group's enduring success. Current drummer and road manager Rickie McKinney has been with the group throughout its renaissance, while guitarist Joey Williams, the group's sighted member, has been the eyes of the Blind Boys since 1992. Octogenarian Jimmy Lee Carter has a fascinating history, as a fellow student of the original but deceased Blind Boys Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Olice Thomas, Johnny Fields, J.T. Hutton, and Velma Traylor at the Talladega school. Carter is one of a few performers who have been in both the Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi. He fronts the Alabama group today as a classic quartet leader and fiery preacher. Along with extensive interviews of Fountain, these legendary musicians provide this book with the voice, firsthand perspective, and authenticity that bring their story the same inspirational power that you hear in their songs. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring, \u003ci\u003eSpirit of the Century \u003c\/i\u003eis a fascinating and one-of-a-kind read that you won't be able to put down. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Blind Boys of Alabama \u003c\/b\u003eare 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreston Lauterbach \u003c\/b\u003e(coauthor) is the author\/co-author of numerous books, including \u003ci\u003eBrother Robert, \u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eBluff City\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eBeale Street Dynasty\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eThe Chitlin'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eCircuit\u003c\/i\u003e. He lives near Charlottesville, Virginia.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Hachette Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50605353632018,"sku":"9780306828218","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_b72d869d-43dc-48bd-9b13-fa671037d996.jpg?v=1732274903","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/spirit-of-the-century-our-own-story-9780306828218","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}