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It’s been 40 years since the inception of the world-renowned, Grammy-Award winning Sounds of Blackness. Yet, they continue to rise to the top and their new self-titled project, with single, “Fly Again,” featuring Jamecia Bennett, is no exception.

As students at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., The Sounds of Blackness formed in 1971, responding to a call to inspire people from all walks of life through song by blending sounds that cover the African Diaspora with the ever-changing influences of modern music. This mission resulted in a combination of traditional African and African-American music with urban soul. Their recordings are known to include Negro Spirituals, Ragtime, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Classical, R&B, Funk, Gospel and Hip-Hop.

Truly a one-of-a-kind group, under the direction of Gary Hines, The Sounds of Blackness have performed and recorded with many of music’s greats over the years. They’ve also been featured in concert at the White House, before presidents, heads of state, diplomats, royalty, the Olympics, World Cup, corporate and charitable events, colleges and universities as well as prisons, women’s and homeless shelters and community centers. Their voices and music have been utilized in national commercials; theatrical productions and other mainstream sound bytes wherever a need for a poignant message is sought.

Reminiscent of the productions of the award-winning duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis recordings of the past, this latest project, to be released Fall 2011 on Malaco Records, includes the signature sounds of Gospel - R&B, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Spirituals and World Beat. It features incredible arrangements of the spiritual, “Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit,” and The Beatles’ classic, “Hey Jude”.

In addition to Jamecia Bennett, the project features Grammy award-winning Jazz guitarist Norman Brown, Jazz vocalist Doris Hines, XROSS, Nirmala Rajasekar, Dreamers Union Choir and contributing vocals from artists from Japan and India.

The Minneapolis-based Sounds of Blackness have developed a cutting edge sound, which paved the way for many Inspirational and R&B groups to follow. Their multiple-harmonic layers provide a signature formula, which is indicative of their complex vocal arrangements and multi-layered productions.

Initially recognized as a local group, they reached international acclaim when they were signed and produced by Jam and Lewis, on Perspective/A&M Records in 1991.

The group became a national success with hits, “Optimistic,” “The Pressure” and “Testify.” Through the years, they continued to record songs that provided uplifting messages with a sound that crossed over from R&B to Gospel and dance charts around the world.

“The Pressure” was a huge Billboard dance hit as well with clubs and mix show DJs. Another single, “Hold On,” also reached mainstream audiences, with heavy rotation on R&B formatted radio stations.

After 40 years, The Sounds of Blackness remain true to their roots, taking on the responsibility of inspiring, entertaining and educating all at once.

With such a rich history, The Sounds of Blackness have launched solo music careers. Others have chosen to remain in the group and maintain dual careers outside of music, as corporate executives, educators, administrators, students and more. Some alumnus of the group include Alexander O’Neal, Cynthia Johnson from the disco group, Lipps, Inc. (“Funkytown”) and Ann Nesby, whose daughter, Bennett, sings lead on “Fly Away.”

The majority of the project was written and produced by members of the group, including Hines, Assistant Director Billy Steele, drummer Larry “Cadillac” Robinson and singer and group choreographer Carrie Harrington.

The group will celebrate this milestone anniversary and a rich heritage that allows The Sounds of Blackness to include multiple generations of members.