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Sounds of Blackness

Soul music

Contemporary R&B

New Jack Swing

In operation since 1969, the Sounds of Blackness choir has weathered eras and fashions, achieving some success with its foray into R&B and New Jack Swing in the 1990s. The 40-strong ensemble of singers, choristers and musicians was originally called The Macalester College Black Voices when it was founded by Russell Knighton in St. Paul, Minnesota, before becoming Sounds of Blackness under the direction of Gary Hines in 1971. In the course of its evolution, the choir adapted its original gospel from the African tradition to soul, creating contemporary urban gospel, of which it bec...