I think it was about 5 or 6 years ago that I was watching David Letterman when he announced that his musical guest was going to be gospel act The Blind Boys of Alabama. I was completely unfamiliar with this name. And Letterman often welcomes obscure musicians to perform--with mixed results, I have to admit. After watching The Blind Boys of Alabama, I had to admit I was blown away.

These Alabama Music Hall of Famers have won Grammys and tour extensively. And now, they've teamed up with country music's newest outlaw Jamey Johnson, who co-produced their latest album "Take the High Road." The album features high-profile guest artists like Willie Nelson,  Hank Williams, Jr.,  and The Oak Ridge Boys. That's actually kind of ironic; The Blind Boys of Alabama are kind of like the gospel version of The Oak Ridge Boys. Both groups were founded more than 60 years ago. Obviously the personnels have changed, with one exception-- Blind Boys' 79-year-old Jimmy Carter still tours and performs with the group, and he's a founding member. Outlaw country meets southern gospel. And it's a perfect match.

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