Clarence Fountain
Clarence Fountain: A Life Dedicated to Music and Ministry
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Clarence Fountain was born on January 6, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was also known as "The Blind Man."
Birth and Death Dates
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January 6, 1935 - December 9, 2018
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Minister, Musician, and Singer-Songwriter
As a blind musician and minister, Clarence Fountain dedicated his life to spreading the message of Christianity through music. He was a key figure in the Christian music industry for over five decades.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clarence Fountain was born into a musical family. His mother was a singer, and his father played guitar. Despite losing his sight at a young age due to an accident involving a lawnmower, Fountain's love for music only grew stronger. He began playing the harmonica and drums, eventually forming the Christian band Blind Boys of Alabama with his friends.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his career, Clarence Fountain achieved numerous milestones:
As a member of the Blind Boys of Alabama, he won six Grammy Awards.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Fountain's music influenced countless artists, including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Pete Seeger.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions by Clarence Fountain include:
Collaborations: He collaborated with renowned musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles.
Touring: The Blind Boys of Alabama toured extensively, performing at various music festivals and events, including the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival.
Music Production: Fountain produced several albums for his band and other artists.
Impact and Legacy
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Clarence Fountain's impact on the music industry extends far beyond his impressive discography. As a minister and musician, he used his talents to spread the message of Christianity:
His music has inspired countless fans worldwide.
He was a role model for aspiring musicians with disabilities.
Fountain's legacy continues through the work of the Blind Boys of Alabama.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Clarence Fountain is widely quoted and remembered for his inspiring life story, remarkable music, and dedication to spreading Christianity through art:
His perseverance in the face of adversity has motivated fans worldwide.
As a pioneer in Christian music, he paved the way for future generations.
Fountain's commitment to using his talents for good continues to inspire people today.
Clarence Fountain left behind an enduring legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Quotes by Clarence Fountain
All good things must come to an end. But if they decided to go on, I'm not going to stop them.
So we started singing, and eventually we began to think we had something special. I thought we could sing as well as The Golden Gate Quartet, and if they could go out in the world and do it, well, so could we.
Ben Harper came to us with some gospel songs in mind, and that worked. I thought that was a good idea to cut it with a rock 'n' roll guy because that shows he knew something about the Lord. We liked him and he liked us, and that made it better.
We were on the same bill as this other blind group, Jackson Harmony, from Mississippi, ... Well, the promoter decided to bill it as 'the blind boys of Alabama against the blind boys of Mississippi.' The crowd loved us, the name stuck, and things took off for us.
We didn't come all the way up from Alabama to Indiana looking for Jesus; we brought him with us.
We have a message in store for you. We try to make you feel something that you have never felt before, and that's the spirit of God.
Yeah, it's complicated. It's hard to find a guy that really can sing and is blind,