Born on July 12, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia, Eric "Ricky" McKinnie has built a legacy that stretches from church performances in his hometown to Grammy-winning stages across the world.
Today, he serves as the acting leader and business manager of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the celebrated gospel group that has earned six Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
Joey Williams, Ricky McKennie, Jimmy Carter, Ben Moore, Billy Bowers and Tracy Pierce attends the Blind Boys of Alabama exclusive listening party at Ben's Studio on May 3, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee.Photo by Royce DeGrie/Getty Images
Ricky McKinnie's Gospel Music Journey Began in Atlanta
McKinnie was raised in Atlanta, where music quickly became part of his daily life. He began singing in church alongside his mother and learned to play drums while performing at Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
During his years with the Gospel Keynotes, McKinnie performed on the Gold-certified album Reach Out and the Platinum-selling Destiny. The group also recorded notable songs including "Jesus, You Been Good to Me" and "That's My Son Hanging on the Cross."
Despite that challenge, his music career continued to grow. Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson honored the singer in 1975 by declaring May 10 as "Eric R. McKinnie Day." Two years later, Georgia Governor George Busbee also recognized his contributions to gospel music.
Although McKinnie had known members of the Blind Boys of Alabama since childhood, he officially joined the group in 1989. Over the years, he became one of its most important figures, eventually taking over management duties in 1997 before moving into the role of business manager in 2000.
The Blind Boys of Alabama were originally formed in 1944 by students from the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind. The group has remained active for more than eight decades while introducing gospel music to audiences around the world.
"I hope that future generations would remember the Blind Boys for showing people that a disability didn't have to be a handicap,” McKinnie told WOUB. Because it's not about what you can't do that's important. It's about what you do. Blindness is not a handicap; it's a limitation, and everybody's got limitations."
"What keeps us inspired, keeps us going on, is that people still appreciate our music. Knowing that our music touches people."
Outside of performing, McKinnie operates an Atlanta recording studio, supports organizations connected to glaucoma awareness and diabetes, and leads Traditions Cultural Arts, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional arts and mentoring future performers.
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