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**Sounds of Blackness** is a contemporary gospel group that combines traditional African music with urban soul. Formed in 1969 at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, by Russel Knighton, the group initially began as The Macalester College Black Choir. In 1971, a musical director was hired, leading to the development of the group's unique identity and the expansion of their musical scope to embrace all aspects of black music. They aimed to create rich, diverse music that celebrates God and the human spirit, while also making social statements. Consequently, the group was renamed Sounds of Blackness. For the first decade and a half, Sounds of Blackness primarily performed in Minneapolis, often opening for notable acts like The Jackson 5. They frequently released their own records, which helped build a strong local following. In 1989, the group caught the attention of the Minneapolis-based production team Jam & Lewis, who signed them to Perspective Records after receiving enthusiastic support from Janet Jackson at one of their concerts. This deal allowed them to retain their distinctive style and sound. Their national debut album, "The Evolution Of Gospel," produced by Jam & Lewis, received strong reviews, followed by two more albums: "The Night Before Christmas (A Musical Fantasy)" in 1992, and "Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum" in 1994. Throughout their career, Sounds of Blackness has won numerous awards from organizations such as the Grammies and the NA

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