Blind Boys Of Alabama To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

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The Blind Boys of Alabama will make their Grand Ole Opry debut at the Ryman Auditorium, "The Mother Church of Country Music, " in Nashville, TN on November 27. The event further evidences the Blind Boys' widespread fan base. The band will perform "Free At Last, " the focus track from their forthcoming album 'Down In New Orleans' (Jan. 29/Time Life), as well as their signature version of "Amazing Grace" on the very stage that was home to the Opry from 1943 until 1974. They will also perform one Christmas song from their Grammy-award winning CD, 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' since they will embark on their Christmas tour the very next day.

The Blind Boys of Alabama's appearance is historic, as they follow in the footsteps of the groundbreaking performances by other African-American music greats such as DeFord Bailey, Opry member Charley Pride, and James Brown.

Opry legend Porter Wagoner was scheduled to appear on the show to host the Blind Boys. Unfortunately, Wagoner passed away last month. "I was looking forward to meeting Porter. I did get to speak with him on the phone a while back and told him how much we were looking forward to this, " says septuagenarian Jimmy Carter, founding member and leader of the Blind Boys. "I'm a Country music fan and I'm honored to finally play the Opry."

The Blind Boys will perform on the Opry alongside artists Josh Turner, Cherryholmes, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson.

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