The Blind Boys of Alabama: Ricky McKinnie and Preston Lauterbach episode artwork

EPISODE · May 12, 2026 · 1H 17M

The Blind Boys of Alabama: Ricky McKinnie and Preston Lauterbach

from NYC Radio Live · host David Ellenbogen, host

In 1939, a group of children aged 10-16 would sneak out of an institute for the blind in Taledega, Alabama and sing for the Lord - and for donations.  These Blind Boys of Alabama would go on to become one of the most celebrated gospel groups of all time, winning 6 Grammy awards and working with the biggest names in music.  Current lead singer Ricky McKinnie and author Preston Lauterbach, who co-wrote Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story with the Blind Boys of Alabama tell the incredible, unlikely, inside history of this ensemble that is still going strong more than 85 years later.    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

In 1939, a group of children aged 10-16 would sneak out of an institute for the blind in Taledega, Alabama and sing for the Lord - and for donations.  These Blind Boys of Alabama would go on to become one of the most celebrated gospel groups of all time, winning 6 Grammy awards and working with the biggest names in music. Current lead singer Ricky McKinnie and author Preston Lauterbach, who co-wrote Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story with the Blind Boys of Alabama tell the incredible, unlikely, inside history of this ensemble that is still going strong more than 85 years later.    Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)

NOW PLAYING

The Blind Boys of Alabama: Ricky McKinnie and Preston Lauterbach

0:00 1:17:11

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of NYC Radio Live?

This episode is 1 hour and 17 minutes long.

When was this NYC Radio Live episode published?

This episode was published on May 12, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In 1939, a group of children aged 10-16 would sneak out of an institute for the blind in Taledega, Alabama and sing for the Lord - and for donations.  These Blind Boys of Alabama would go on to become one of the most celebrated gospel groups of all...

Can I download this NYC Radio Live episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!