Sounds of Blackness

It was in 1971 when current director Gary Hines took leadership over the ensemble, and the group name was officially changed to Sounds of Blackness.

On September 30, 2018, group member James "Big Jim" Wright was found dead at his home in Rockford, Illinois.

[3] Outside of Sounds of Blackness, Wright was best known as a frequent collaborator of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and an in-house producer for their company, Flyte Tyme Productions.

Sounds of Blackness's "Time For Love" was nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for R&B Song of the year.

Sounds of Blackness has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[4] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.