Blind Boys Of Alabama
Apr 4, 2011
The Easter Bunny isn't the only legend you'll see in the new Universal Pictures movie "Hop," The Blind Boys of Alabama will also be making a special cameo appearance in the film. Released in theaters on April 1st, "Hop" blends state-of-the-art CG animation to tell the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. The Blind Boys' scene finds them in the studio recording the song "Higher Ground" for a video game when E.B. sneaks into the studio and plays drums with the group.
The movie's director Tim Hill said, "The Blind Boys are rooted in gospel and blues, which is very basic to American music. For the story, it helped that they couldn't see that E.B. was a rabbit and he was 'filling in' while their drummer was on a break."
Having E.B. on drums meant The Blind Boys' own drummer, Ricky McKinnie, had to hand over his drum sticks. "If you can get a kick out of seeing a blind guy like me play drums, then I know you can enjoy seeing a rabbit play drums," said McKinnie.
The Blind Boys of Alabama also launched an inspirational tweet-of-the-day starting on April 1st as well. The group will post tweets that draw from their history of gospel music, lyrics, faith, and spiritual messages that have inspired them throughout their career. They will also use the Twitter feed to keep fans updated on tour dates, appearances, and their new album, "Take The High Road," which debuts on May 3rd. The new album, produced by Mercury Nashville artist Jamey Johnson, is the first time The Blind Boys have recorded a Country Gospel album in their 70+ year career. It features guest performances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Johnson.
You can follow The Blind Boys of Alabama on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blindboys.
