Sounds of Blackness

Sounds of Blackness is a Christian vocal and instrumental ensemble based in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area of Minnesota, founded on a mission to glorify God through their music. The group began in 1969 as the Macalester College Black Voices, founded by Russell Knighton. In 1971, Gary Hines became the group’s director and officially renamed the ensemble Sounds of Blackness. The group typically features a 40-person choir and a 10-piece orchestra, blending gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, and traditional African musical elements.

The ensemble gained national prominence in the 1990s through collaborations with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Their high-profile performances have included appearances at the White House and the Olympics. Notable alumni include lead vocalist Ann Nesby and keyboardist Big Jim Wright.

The group’s discography includes the albums The Evolution of Gospel (1991), The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy (1992), Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum (1994), and #UrGonnAWiN (2023). Their catalog also features songs such as “Optimistic” (1991), “Hold On (Change Is Coming)” (1997), and “We’re Unstoppable” (2025). Sounds of Blackness has received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album in 1992 for The Evolution of Gospel, along with four Stellar Awards, an NAACP Image Award, the International Time for Peace Award, and an International Dance Music Award.