UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Blind Boys of Alabama with special guest Cory Henry, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at UCSB Campbell Hall.
Two Grammy-winning forces of gospel and soul unite for the program where Cory Henry, 2025 Best Roots Gospel Album Grammy winner, joins the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama, whose “Echoes of the South” took home the same award in 2024.
The evening will feature Hammond B3 funk; gospel harmonies and spiritual feeling.
“Bridging the rootsy tradition of gospel quartets with the soul sound of the Civil Rights era, this powerful program delivers raw emotion and authentic American music at its finest,” Arts & Lectures said.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music, have been celebrated by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/Grammys with Lifetime Achievement awards; inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame; and winners of six Grammy awards.
In a career that spans more than 70 years, The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits.
They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal.
Grammy-winning artist Cory Henry has made a mark in the music industry, recently clinching the award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2025 for his deeply personal project “Church.”
The album features contributions from his family, including his grandmother, reflecting the musical heritage that has shaped his artistry. Along with his Grammy-winning album, PBS aired a documentary on his life and the making of “Church.”
Tickets are $48-$63 for the general public; $15 UCSB students (current student ID required).
For tickets or more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures, 805-893-3535 or visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.