Eric "Ricky" McKinnie plays drums and percussion in The Blind Boys of Alabama. He also sings.
Like the the three main vocalists of the group, Eric McKinnie is blind.
For three decades, Ricky McKinnie has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in music, beginning with his formative years in school, which was highlighted upon graduation in 1970 from Murphy High School in Atlanta, Georgia USA , as recipient of numerous awards for his musical virtuosity on drums and outstanding vocals.
At the tender age of 17, Eric "Ricky" McKinnie found himself a young pilgrim on the spiritual highway as a member of the gospel group,“Troy Ramey and The Soul Searchers”,of Atlanta. In 1972, he met further success as a member of the nationally known “Gospel Keynotes” when the group received a gold record for the hit song “Jesus You’ve Been Good To Me”.
In 1975, Ricky McKinnie lost his sight due to glaucoma. While most would believe, after being diagnosed with such a painstaking disability, it would be the end of road; he continued to excel far beyond his own imagination.
As of 1978, on the heel of his successful beginnings in gospel quartet music, Ricky went on to organize and manage, with his mother and brother,“The Ricky McKinnie Singers”. Their voices are heard on radio station WYZE AM 1480 (www.wyzeradio.com) with “Words and Music to Inspire Your Soul” they can be heard Sundays at 9 am & 9pm.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution highlighted Ricky McKinnie in articles entitled, “Blindness Can’t Stop McKinnie” & “Sightless Drummer Has An Inner Light”.”. The two articles are descriptive of McKinnie’s character and determination. “I’ve been blessed to have the fortune of traveling and performing world-wide as drummer, vocalist and business manager with the gospel warrior, Clarence Fountain as a member of “The Blind Boys of Alabama”, for the past fourteen years. It’s always rewarding to see the outpouring of love people have for the music.” He further states,“If recording and performing gospel music restores and exhilarates the audience of today, then my living will not be in vain!”
Ricky McKinnie has enjoyed continued success on the pilgrim highway with The Blind Boys of Alabama with their numerous awards, including the “Governor’s Achievement” Award in Mobile, Alabama and induction into the Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame in Birmingham, Alabama in 2000; the Dove Award of 2002 and 2006; quadruple, back to back Grammy Awards in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 for “Best Soul Traditional Gospel Album”; personal honors from his home city Atlanta, Ga. USA presented by Mayor Shirley Franklin for his musical success, and most recently an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Carver Bible College of Atlanta.
Recognition of his unique abilities as the only nationally known, blind gospel drummer; has resulted in equipment endorsements from both Sabian Cymbals, Taye Drum & Vic Firth Companies. As a blind musician his motto has been: “I’m not blind, I just can’t see”! When speaking from his gospel background and his life’s experiences, his positive and outgoing nature makes it easy to convey how disability can be transformed into ability.
