Blind Boys of Alabama singer calls Atlanta home - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Blind Boys of Alabama singer calls Atlanta home

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Ricky McKinnie Ricky McKinnie
ATLANTA -

The metro area is home to many award-winning, talented people. Ricky McKinnie, a member of the gospel-singing group Blind Boys of Alabama, is one of those talented individuals and he calls Atlanta home.

"My career started right here in Atlanta. I'm a native Atlantan. I was born here, went to school here and this is where I'm from," said McKinnie.

McKinnie has been with the Blind Boys of Alabama nearly 40 years. He started out as the group's business manager, then a drummer and is now one of main singers.

The group's career has spanned 70 years. Only one founding member remains alive. The group, made up of blind singers, continues to perform to large crowds and their blindness doesn't hinder them.

"I've always said I'm not blind, I just can't see. Which means that I have lost my sight but I've never lost my direction. So I can't tell you what it's like to be blind. I can tell you what it's like performing. It's great," said McKinnie.

They've recorded with everyone from Vince Gill to Ben Harper. McKinnie says there's no slowing down.

"When the people enjoy what you're doing, you know, what's from the heart, reaches the heart. So we sing straight from the soul," said McKinnie.

At McKinnie's Kirkwood home, his office is like a museum. His mantle holds six Grammy awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.

When McKinnie's not planning the next show with the group's tour manager, you can catch McKinnie in his home studio recording his solo album. He also speaks to groups of kids and his message is simple, yet powerful.

"I've always been a dreamer. But if you can dream your dream, do the work, keep the faith, then things usually work out ok," said McKinnie.

The Blind Boys of Alabama still tours more than 200 days of the year. They're in town and performing this Friday at Chastain Park with Al Green. For more information on tickets, click here.

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