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FOLKLIFE FOLKLIFE
ASSOCIATION
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THE BIRMINGHAM SUNLIGHTS MUSICS OF ALABAMA:
The Birmingham Sunlights developed their four-part a cappella style within the Church of Christ, where no musical instruments are permitted. Three brothers, James, Barry and Steve Taylor founded the group and are joined by Reginald Speights and Wayne Williams (replaced by current member Bill Graves) in performing well-known hymns as well as original pieces. Upon becoming aware of the rich Jefferson County gospel quartet tradition they sought training from a senior quartet, the Sterling Jubilees, to learn songs traditional to the area. Besides appearing at numerous festivals across the nation, such as the National Folk Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts, the Sunlights have toured five countries in Africa and performed extensively in the Caribbean and Australia under the auspices of the U. S. Department of Information. Their recent dynamic performance on Garrison Keillor's American Radio Theater on National Public Radio won them many more fans across the nation. They recently performed in France as ambassadors of Alabama traditional culture. "Angels' Watching Over Me" is a traditional song and original arrangement by the Birmingham Sunlights. Recorded by Steve Grauberger with sound mixing by Dan Gainey at the "In the Spirit" Concert at the Gadsden Alabama Amphitheater, May 13, 1995 Sunlight Links Buy Their CD "Birmingham Sunlights: For Old Time's Sake" "'Birmingham Sound' Had Profound Influence On American Popular Music" by Henry Willett |
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