THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

 

The feature documentary “How Sweet the Sound: The Blind Boys of Alabama” tells the story of the Legendary gospel quartet The Blind Boys of Alabama, the award-winning gospel group that met at a state-run, segregated vocational institute for the blind in the 1930s, and have toured continuously, amassing five Grammy Awards and universal acclaim.

They soared through the golden era of gospel in the 1950s, experienced difficult times when rock ’n’ roll took over, and would eventually enjoy a resurgence. Now, as the group enters its seventh decade, they are as artistically vital as ever, collaborating with musicians like Peter Gabriel, Ben Harper, and others.

Directed by Leslie McCleave, and shot over a 10-year period, the film features the surviving group members recounting their unlikely success story, as we see a rare, remarkable view of life on the road and in the studio with a group of renowned performers.

The film is currently touring the film festival circuit, most recently screening as one of dozens of documentaries, features and shorts related to disabilities in the annual ReelAbilities Film Festival which takes place in NYC. Members of the Blind Boys were on hand fora Q&A that followed.

For upcoming screening dates, visit the film’s website here.

Check out a trailer for “How Sweet the Sound: The Blind Boys of Alabama below.”