Sounds of Blackness is a renowned 40-person choir and ten-piece orchestra founded by Russel Knight and led by Gary Hines. They have successfully merged traditional African music with urban soul, establishing themselves as a unique and popular contemporary gospel group. Throughout their illustrious career, Sounds of Blackness has been recognized and honored with numerous prestigious awards from organizations like the Grammies and the NAACP.
The group’s journey began in 1969 at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Macalester College, initiated by Russel Knight, and evolved significantly when Gary Hines assumed the role of musical director in 1971. Under Hines’ leadership, Sounds of Blackness embraced the entirety of Black music, catering to the diverse musical tastes within the community. Their profound dedication to African-American music and social commentary led to the formation of rich, diverse music that celebrates spirituality and human resilience. This visionary approach prompted the group to adopt the name Sounds of Blackness.