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Clarence Fountain Obituary
Fountain died Sunday in a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he had been taken Friday, manager Charles Driebe of Atlanta said in an email Monday.
The group won four Grammys, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, and were members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Fountain is survived by his wife, Barbara. The family planned a private viewing Monday at their church, with a public funeral Tuesday at a larger church, which had not yet been chosen, Driebe wrote.
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Fountain stopped touring with the group in 2007 because of complications from diabetes, but sang on their 2017 album, "Almost Home," according a statement from Driebe's Blind Ambition Management. It said the album grew out of the realization that only Fountain, the group's longtime leader, and its current leader, Jimmy Carter, remained of the original members.
"These men were both raised as blind, African American males in the Deep South during the Jim Crow years, and they were sent to a school where the expectation for them was to one day make brooms or mops for a living," Driebe said "But they've transcended all that. The arc of their lives and of the band reflects the arc of a lot of changes in American society, and we wanted to find a way to capture their experiences in songs."
Fountain and friends started their first singing group as students at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind in Talladega, where Fountain was enrolled when he was 8. The Happy Land Jubilee Singers sneaked off campus to sing for soldiers at a nearby training camp.
"Buoyed by the praise (and money) they received, the group left the school in 1944 while still in their teens," Driebe wrote in the news release about Fountain's death.
They were still called the Happy Land Jubilee Singers when they had their first hit single in 1948, "I Can See Everybody's Mother But Mine." The name they used for the rest of their careers came from a double billing later in 1948 with another group of blind singers, the Jackson Harmoneers — an event promoted as a battle between the Five Blind Boys of Alabama and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.
"The crowd loved us, the name stuck, and things took off for us," Fountain said, as quoted in the news release.
After a series of concerts with the Jackson Harmoneers, he said, Ray Charles's manager offered a big touring deal if they would cross over to other genres. "There was no way we were going to go pop or rock," Fountain said. "Who needed it? Our bellies were full, we had no headaches, we were happy. At least I was happy, singing real gospel."
They signed with Specialty Records in 1953, but left after five years because of more pressure to sing secular music. They sang in 1960s benefits for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and kept singing hard-driving gospel, even as it became less popular.
They won national acclaim in 1983 for the Off-Broadway stage production of Gospel at Colonus, an adaptation of Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus at Colonus set in a black Pentecostal church. Morgan Freeman played young Oedipus, and the Blind Boys sang the part of the blinded Oedipus. The play received two OBIE awards and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
The group's first Grammy nomination came in 1992, and they won their first Grammy for best traditional gospel album in 2001 with "Spirit of the Century," their first release with Peter Gabriel's Real World Records.
They won Grammys in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for "Higher Ground," ''Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "There Will Be A Light," the last a collaboration with Ben Harper. The lifetime achievement came in 2009. They recorded with artists including Lou Reed, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, k.d.lang, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Susan Tedeschi, Aaron Neville and Mavis Staples.
Driebe quoted Fountain: "My theory is do something good in the end and that will close out your longevity. After that, you can go on home and sit down."
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Fountain
57 Entries
Toni Barrett
April 24, 2024
Take your rest "Pops". You were a great play dad that brought so much joy to others through your music. Music that will live on forever. I will always remember your wise cracks and our many laughs. May God bless and keep your family in your absence.
CJ Mitchell
August 5, 2018
The gospel world has lost a legend. I grew up on the Five Blind Boys' music and Clarence Fountain was a joy to see and hear. Thank you Lord for blessings.
Richard Brown, Jr.
July 11, 2018
I recall to mind how Gospel artist, Fred Hammond, sampled Clarence Fountain's voice from the Five Blind Boys of Alabama's song of the 1960's, "Our Revival Time" into his 1991 song, "I Came To Jesus As I Was." It was my first time hearing a Gospel tune sampled into another Gospel song. I still like both songs to this day. Thank God for the gift of Clarence and his anointed voice, and for giving us hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Annette
June 29, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
eugene carter
June 15, 2018
one of the best now rest in jesus name . amen
Prenellia Thompson
June 13, 2018
"And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away and be at rest."
Condolence to Mrs. Barbara Fountain and Family. You have a beautiful bank of memories that you can withdraw from at any time. Baton Rouge is honored to have had Bro. Fountain make this his home and have a little part of the History of this great legend. My family have been fans for over 60 years. We wish God's blessing on you and your family in your hour of bereavement.
The Green, Morgan and Thompson Family of Baton Rouge.
PastorNorie and Carolyn Scott
June 12, 2018
Our prayers are with the family and the group.
A Caring Neighbor
June 12, 2018
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family of Clarence. May God grant solace and strength during this most challenging time. Clarence was truly a brilliant and accomplished man. He will truly be missed. With Love & Prayers
Minister Charles Chambers
June 12, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Ruth Chambers
June 12, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 11, 2018
Extending our heartfelt condolences and praying the love of God, family, and friends enfold you as you journey through your bereavement.
Ginger F. Smith & Family
Jessica Magee
June 11, 2018
Brenda & Family, our deepest condolences go out to you. Any time you lose a loved one is very hard. Cherish the fond memories. May God bless you and heaven shine upon you. Stay strong, and you all will definitely be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jessica Magee & The Magee Family
Janet White
June 11, 2018
My Prayers and Condolences to the Fountain Family...Wife, Barbara Fountain; Daughter, Brenda Fountain-Johnson and family.
Veta Frazier Banks
June 11, 2018
Barbara,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Clarence.
His deep baritone voice will be missed in live concert, but anyone blessed with the opportunity to see him perform gospel live, will have lifetime memories of his consummate artistry and craft.
I'm glad I've had multiple opportunities to witness the power of his gifts in the states and abroad.
He leaves quite a legacy in his body of work.
Blessings to you, the family members and friends.
Sincerely,
Veta Frazier Banks
Long Beach, California
Bob & Laura Butler
June 10, 2018
Our sincere condolences and payers are with you and family. We so admire his choice to continue his journey to use his gift to praise God.
Rev. Ruby Paynes
June 10, 2018
May the peace of God keep you in perfect peace as you keep your mind stayed on Him.
Sandra Dicks
June 10, 2018
To the family I pray that God keep you in perfect peace. Now he will join my great uncle Louis Dicks and they can start a new group. To my cousin Chis be strong in the Lord he will direct your path.
Brad Nelson
June 10, 2018
I'm Jewish, but I have never felt the spirit more than when listening to Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
It is such a blessing that we can all continue to be uplifted by his honest and righteous voice through recordings and videos.
Thank you Clarence, for a life well spent..and making the World just a little bit better.
Maria Davis
June 10, 2018
Sis Fountain You And The Family Are In Our Prayers...Brother Fountain Brought So Much Love and Joy To Those He Would Be In The Midst Of...He Truly Loved Serving God ...And Also Loved Serving His Fellowman...Sending Our Condolences Melvin and Maria Davis
Robirda LANDS
June 9, 2018
Praying for the family
Charlotte Howard Williams
June 9, 2018
Rest in Jesus arms Amen!
I love the 5 Blind Boy's Of Alabama
Charlotte Williams
June 9, 2018
With heartfelt condolences rest in heaven.
Michelle Smith
June 9, 2018
We offer our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in God's promise of a better world for all those we have lost in death. (Isaiah 35:5)
Arleen Robertson and Family
June 9, 2018
Mrs. Fountain, your husband, Mr. Clarence presence will truly be missed. I know how much love and care you showered on him. Now God has him in His care, there are no better hands to be in. The psalmist states: ...yea though you walk through the valley of the shadows of death, fear no evil for God is with you... It is not easy, but it gets better. May you find comfort in your memories. It is with sincere condolences that we express these words. May God bless you and your family. One of my favorite song they recorded is: "It could have been me."
June 7, 2018
With deepest sympathy.
Nancy Hopkins / Gospel Broadcaster
Orangeburg,SC
90.3 FM. South Carolina State University
1440 am Holly Hill ,SC
Anita Johnson
June 7, 2018
Well done ..... Rest !
Anthony Hines, I
June 6, 2018
To the FOUNTAIN FAMILY:
Words cannot express the value of Mr. Fountain's work in gospel music. Legendary is the only way to describe, Mr. Fountain. The world has been blessed by the music of Clarence Fountain and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama.
God bless his soul. God bless and keep you during this difficult time.
Machelle Vaughan
June 6, 2018
Such a great loss. God knows what is best. I was blessed to hear this great singer a time or two and was truly inspired. I thank God for allowing this great man to share his talents with the world. God bless you family and keep you during this time and always.
Ima Gunn
June 6, 2018
One of the greatest gospel singers I have ever known
Elise Florence
June 6, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort
Thanks for sharing Mr. Fountain over the years.
MARVIN REED
June 6, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Fountain Family.
Mr. Fountain was a true Legend. RIH
C S
June 6, 2018
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Fountain.A leader in the industry of gospel music.Any singer or group sang a many of their songs.My father had their records and we constantly listened to them along with the Mighty Clouds of Joy and many others.Mr Fountain paved the way for our contemporary gospel singers .May the family find peace and comfort from our God of tender mercies.He will be remembered.And in those days the eyes of the blind opened,the lame will walk the Bible tells us.
Charles & Nancy Frederick
June 6, 2018
Brother Clarence, we light this candle for you and we Thank you for you're dedication to Gospel Music. GOD Bless your soul!
Charles & Nancy Frederick
Johnny Mae Holmes
June 5, 2018
I was very heartbroken to hear about the transitioning of Bro. Clarence Fountain. I've been a fan of his since I was four years old...wow...46 years. I love his song, "How Far Am I From Canaan" so much that it's been my ringtone on my phone for a few years now. In honor of his legacy, it will remain permanent. Rest on Bro. Fountain, I'll meet you in the resurrection.
Valenda Newell
June 5, 2018
PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS
CM
June 5, 2018
Rest with God Mr. Fountain. Job well done, Alabama is so very proud of you! Talladega will always be true to you, and very thankful. God Bless, and heal all Family.
Hope
June 5, 2018
Thank you sir for your faithfulness and wonderful music and sharing the gospel around the world. May you enjoy your eternal reward in heaven as you SEE the wonder and beauty of it all.
June 5, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Elizabeth Griffin
June 5, 2018
Clarence miss u Liz and Dorothy hickerson from talladega ala
Mary
June 5, 2018
In memory of a great singer. Mr Clarence Fountain.
June 5, 2018
A long career doing what you loved beings fulfillment. The family and friends will have many things to discuss in fond memories of good times. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Donald Lovette
June 5, 2018
As a lover of Gospel and Quartet music I applaud the contributions of Mr. Fountain to the quartet music I enjoy today. Life well lived!
JMS
June 5, 2018
Mr Fountain's music legacy will be cherished by many. May the God of comfort soothe your hearts during the loss of your dear loved one.
K. McDowell (Isaiah 25:8)
June 5, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan
June 5, 2018
Thank you for the beautiful music.
James McMillian
June 4, 2018
I grew up listening to The Blind Boys Of Alabama on Ernest Record mart broadcast out of Nashville, Tennessee on a Sunday night at 9:30 pm. I Bought my first album by them "It So Sweet To Be Saved loved this album. IT been a blessing to have known Mr Fountain I met him in person back in the 70's He has reletives in my hometown he came to do a concert. To the family you have my condolence may God keep you in his care Blessing An Ohio fan by the way of Alabama
Stephen Smith
June 4, 2018
What a blessing to have been born in a time to grow up hearing the powerful and inspiring sound of Gospel as delivered by Mr. Clarence Fountain and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. May you, his family, receive our love, prayers and gratitude to God for the gift shared by this legendary icon of true Gospel. The Blessings of the Lord be upon you!
Cowana Parker
June 4, 2018
Rest in Peace. Mr. Fountain. May God Bless the Fountain Family.
June 4, 2018
My prayers are with the family during your loss. He was truly a great musician and will be missed. RIP!
June 4, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the family in this time of your dear loss.May you find peace from family and friends.May you find comfort in the words of Isaiah 51:12I ..I myself am the One comforting you
Karen Davis
June 4, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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