[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "what%20can%20you%20tell%20me%20about%20the%20current%20members%20of%20the%20gospel%20group%2C%20the%20Blind%20Boys%20of%20Alabama%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are the most up-to-date details on the current lineup of The Blind Boys of Alabama as of 2025-2026, along with some notes on past members and recent changes.\n\n---\n\n## Current Members\n\nThese are the performers currently active with the group: ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama?utm_source=openai))\n\n| Name | Role(s) | With the Group Since |\n|---|---|---|\n| Ricky McKinnie | Vocals, percussion | 1990 \u2013 present ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Joey Williams | Lead vocals, lead guitar | 1995 \u2013 present ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Reverend Julius Love | Vocals | 2020 \u2013 present ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Dr. J. W. Smith | Vocals | 2023 \u2013 present ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Sterling Glass | Vocals | Joined in 2022 ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Peter Levin | Organ | Active currently, exact start date unclear ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Stephen Raynard Ladson | Bass | Current; start date not specified in sources ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## Fallen and Former Members\n\nOver its long history, the group has had many members pass away or retire. A few recent changes:\n\n- **Jimmy Carter**, a long-time member, was still active until 2023 but is no longer listed among current members. ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Ben Moore** passed away May 12, 2022. ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Paul Beasley** passed away March 13, 2023. ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- Other founding or early members such as Clarence Fountain (died June 3, 2018) and George Scott (died March 9, 2005) are, of course, no longer alive or performing. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Highlights and Notes\n\n- **Performance & Recognition**: The Blind Boys remain active in recording and touring, most recently with collaborations and albums such as *Echoes of the South* (2023), which earned multiple Grammy nominations. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Visibility & Accessibility**: The group continues its storied tradition of having members who are blind or visually impaired; this remains a core aspect of their identity. ([yahoo.com](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/making-joyful-noise-asheboro-man-035900410.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Continuity without Founding Members**: With the passing or retirement of several founding and long-standing members, newer generation vocalists and musicians now carry the torch \u2014 people like Julien Love, J. W. Smith, Sterling Glass, and others. ([dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama.html?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can get you more detailed info on their set-list changes, recent recordings, or biographical background of the newer members."
    }
]