Blind Boys of Alabama with and without Clarence Fountain (1965-1989)
At Holy Ghost and at Just Moving On we've been playing a lot of music by The Blind Boys of Alabama and Clarence Fountain. It's time to wrap up the music, throwing several more songs into the mix and the first Just Moving On Podcast is there for you to enjoy. You can consider this Podcast as the 'soundtrack' to The Blind Boys of Alabama page Red Kelly and I made.
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Track by track rundown:
1. Blind Boys of Alabama - Love, Love, Love (HOB LP 254)
In 1965 When Vee-Jay went bankrupt, it was HOB out of New York who gave the Blind Boys of Alabama their next contract. "Love, Love, Love" is from their first HOB album, "I Saw The Light", which was released in 1966.
2. Blind Boys of Alabama - I'm Willing To Run (HOB LP 295)
After James Fountain left the group in 1969, Louis Dicks became the leader of the group. "I'm Willing To Run" is taken from their first album without Fountain, "Too Sweet To Be Saved".
3. Clarence Fountain - Just A Closer Walk (Jewel 160)
In 1969 Clarence Fountain left the group and signed a solo-contract with Jewel. "Just A Closer Walk" is one of his first 45's released on Jewel and taken from his Jewel debut album "Soul Gospel". The album was produced by Ralph Bass and arranged by Sonny Thompson. Both men were at that time under contract with Chess/Checker. Where their plans to get Fountain onto the Chess/Checker label?
4. Blind Boys of Alabama - I Can Tell The World (HOB LP 295)
Another song from The Boys' first album without Clarence Fountain.
5. Blind Boys of Alabama - Done What The Doctors Could Not Do (HOB LP 2121)
6. Blind Boys of Alabama - God Will Bless You (HOB LP 2121)
Two selections from the "Jesus Rose With All Power In His Hands" album.
7. Blind Boys of Alabama - Give Me That Old Time Religion (HOB LP 2155)
8. Blind Boys of Alabama - Some Day (HOB LP 2155)
Two selections form "Working For The Lord" album.
9. Blind Boys of Alabama - Bridge Over Troubled Waters (HOB LP 2174)
10. Blind Boys of Alabama - Take Your Burdens To The Lord (HOB LP 2174)
Two selections from "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand". This album is the closest the Blind Boys ever came to crossover. Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', the album's title song 'Reach Out And Touch', and Carol King's 'You've Got A Friend' are songs well known by the general public.
11. Clarence Fountain - You've Got The Move (Jewel LP 0143)
From Fountain's last solo album release on Jewel "Golden Moments In Gospel". The album was released in 1978, almost a year after the return of prodigal son Clarence Fountain to the Blind Boys of Alabama. The contact address on the back cover of this album is Johnny Fields', a member of the Blind Boys of Alabama at that time.
12. Blind Boys of Alabama - If You Don't Pray For Me (Jewel LP 0127)
Clarence and the Boys are reunited on the Johnny Fields' produced album "Swing Low Sweet Chariot".
13. Blind Boys of Alabama - Tears For Water (Peace International LP 1000)
Clarence Fountain with on and off member Roscoe Robinson sharing the lead on this in 1982 released album.
14. Blind Boys of Alabama - Faith Moves Mountains (Messiah LP 101)
Sam Butler, who replaced long standing member and guitarist, George Scott, is singing lead on 'Faith Moves Mountains' the title song taken from the album "Faith Moves Mountains" from 1983.
15. Blind Boys of Alabama - Lift Me Like A Dove (Warner Brothers LP 1-25182)
A selection from the successful musical-play "The Gospel At Colonus" which gave the Boys work for several years touring all over the USA and Europe.
16. Blind Boys of Alabama - Look Where He Brought Me From (Wajji LP 1305)
From the "Changed Man" album from 1989. The first album that has alleged "orignal" member Jimmy Carter on it.
17. Blind Boys of Alabama - I'm Not That Way Anymore (AIR LP 10155)
From their last album "I'm Not That Way Anymore", before they hit it big time on the major labels crossing over to the 'hip' audience.
This it it. In 17 songs we've tried to give you an impression of what the Blind Boys of Alabama with and without Clarence Fountain were up to.