Blind Boys of Alabama. Born poor in the rural south of the 1930s, the Blind Boys of Alabama began by singing gospel music. Clarence Fountain, George Scott and Jimmy Carter are the three original members. Their story began in Birmingham, at the Talladega Institute for the blind. "We were all brought up in real good Christian homes" recalls Jimmy. Conditions were harsh, and discipline was painful at the Talladega School. Students were taught how to read Braille, and to make brooms, chairs and shelves. The school had a large choir, and that's where the youngsters realised that music could give them a chance for a better life. At the age of 14 they left the school and hit the road. They soon became gospel stars. And gospel music fans had faith, but they didn't have much money. So the Blind Boys made many records, but it was the promoters and producers who made most of the money from their hits - including their 1955 recording of Stand By Me. More recently they joined Peter Gabriel on tour and have enjoyed a phenomenal resurgence in the popularity of their unique sound.