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Alabama Music Hall of Fame Achiever
THE ORIGINAL BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
Original Members:
Clarence Fountain
George Scott
Olice Thomas
Johnny Fields
2001
Governor's Achievement Award
The Original Blind Boys of Alabama were formerly known as the Happy Land Singers. The attention of the public was first fixed on the Blind Boys in 1939 while they were still attending school, and were members of the chorus at Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind at Talledega. They were in great demand throughout the South for their soul-stirring gospel performances. The originator of the group was Velma Traylor, who was killed in an accident in November in 1947 in Blowing Spring, Georgia. The group consists of Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Olice Thomas and Johnny Fields.
Clarence Fountain, lead singer, was born in 1929 in Tyler, Alabama. Even in childhood he was gifted with a remarkable singing talent. He entered A.I.D.B. in 1937, and became a very good general student although his main and consuming interest was in music.
George Scott, tenor singer and guitarist for the group was born in 1919 in Tuskegee, Alabama. His unique style of playing and sensational style of singing has amazed the public and critics alike. Scott Passed away in April, 2005 at the age of 75.
Olice Thomas, the baritone singer, was born in 1926 in Gainseville, Alabama. He entered A.I.B.D. in 1940.
Johnny Fields, bass singer and manager of the organization, is a native of Lowndesboro, Alabama where he was born in 1927. He is the only member of the group that attended public school, even so, due to eye failure he entered the Alabama Institute in 1935.