Take 6, Music Band of Alabama

Since its formation in 1980 at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, Take 6 has skillfully blended jazz melodies with spiritual and inspirational lyrics, creating a unique and exceptional musical experience.

Their exceptional talent has garnered them numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, and they have collaborated with esteemed artists such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder.

The origins of the group can be traced back to their time at Oakwood College, where Claude McKnight founded The Gentlemens Estates Quartet.

Over the years, Take 6 has released critically acclaimed albums and achieved remarkable chart success.

Comprising Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea, and Khristian Dentley, Take 6 showcases the unique vocal range and classification of each member.

With a stable lineup since 1991, they continue to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Take 6 is a Grammy Award-winning a cappella gospel sextet that was formed in 1980 at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama.
The group integrates jazz with spiritual and inspirational lyrics and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder.
Take 6 has released multiple albums, including 'He Is Christmas' and 'Believe,' which charted in six categories on Billboard and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart with their album 'Iconic.'
The group consists of six members, each with a specific vocal range and classification, and has had a stable lineup since 1991. Claude McKnight is the founder and leader of the group, while Mark and Joel Kibble are brothers.

Formation and Early Years

During their formation and early years, Take 6 emerged as a powerhouse of a cappella music within the gospel genre. Influenced by a wide range of musical styles, the group seamlessly blended elements of jazz, R&B, and gospel, creating a unique and innovative sound.

Their musical influences during formation included artists such as The Manhattan Transfer, The Hi-Lo's, and The Singers Unlimited, who were known for their intricate vocal harmonies and sophisticated arrangements. Take 6 took these influences to the next level, pushing the boundaries of a cappella music and incorporating complex vocal arrangements, intricate rhythms, and soulful harmonies.

This evolution of their a cappella style set them apart from other gospel groups, gaining them recognition and acclaim in the music industry. Their ability to seamlessly fuse genres and create intricate vocal arrangements became their signature sound, solidifying their status as masters of a cappella.

Collaborations With Musical Legends

Take 6 has had the honor of collaborating with musical legends such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder, showcasing their remarkable talent and solidifying their status as masters of a cappella.

These collaborations have not only added to their impressive discography, but they have also contributed to their legacy and influence in the music industry.

By working with these iconic artists, Take 6 has not only gained recognition and respect, but they have also expanded their musical horizons and evolved their sound.

The influence of these collaborations can be heard in the way Take 6 incorporates different genres and styles into their a cappella arrangements, creating a unique and innovative sound.

Their ability to seamlessly blend their voices with the voices of these musical legends is a testament to their skill and artistry.

Impact of Oakwood College

The profound influence of Oakwood College on Take 6's formation and musical style is undeniable, shaping their sound and paving the way for their success as Grammy-winning masters of a cappella. Oakwood College, a historically black Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Huntsville, Alabama, played a pivotal role in the group's development. The college's emphasis on musical excellence and spiritual growth provided the fertile ground for Take 6 to flourish. Through their years at Oakwood College, the members of Take 6 honed their vocal skills and developed a unique blend of jazz, gospel, and spiritual music. This fusion of genres became their signature style, captivating audiences worldwide. The following table highlights some key aspects of Oakwood College's influence on Take 6's musical journey:

Oakwood College's Influence on Take 6
1. Nurturing environment for musical growth
2. Emphasis on spiritual and inspirational lyrics
3. Integration of jazz elements into their a cappella arrangements
4. Exposure to diverse musical styles and genres
5. Formation of lifelong friendships and musical partnerships

Oakwood College's impact on Take 6 cannot be overstated, as it laid the foundation for their remarkable career and enduring legacy in the world of a cappella music.

Discography and Chart Success

The group's immense chart success and extensive discography serve as testaments to Take 6's mastery of a cappella music.

With their unique approach to a cappella music, Take 6 has seamlessly integrated jazz influences into their discography, creating a truly distinctive sound.

Their ability to blend intricate vocal harmonies with complex jazz arrangements has set them apart from other a cappella groups.

Take 6's discography showcases their versatility and artistry, ranging from their Grammy Award-winning gospel albums to their collaborations with renowned artists such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder.

Their chart success is a reflection of their exceptional talent and their ability to captivate audiences with their soulful performances.

Take 6's influence on the genre of a cappella music is undeniable, solidifying their position as masters of their craft.

Vocal Range and Classification of Members

Each member of Take 6 possesses a specific vocal range and classification, contributing to the group's harmonious sound and musical versatility. The vocal techniques and harmonies displayed by the members are a testament to their mastery of a cappella singing. Here is a breakdown of the vocal range and classification of each member:

Claude McKnight: McKnight is the founder and leader of the group. He sings baritone and is known for his smooth and soulful voice.
Mark and Joel Kibble: The Kibble brothers provide the tenor and falsetto vocals in the group. Their voices blend seamlessly, adding depth and richness to the harmonies.
Dave Thomas: Thomas sings bass, providing the foundation and depth to the group's sound.
Alvin Chea: Chea is the group's low bass, known for his deep and resonant voice.
Khristian Dentley: Dentley sings the second tenor and adds a dynamic range to the group's harmonies.

Through the evolution of vocal arrangements, Take 6 has pushed the boundaries of a cappella music, showcasing their exceptional vocal abilities and paving the way for future artists.

Stable Lineup and Leadership

Take 6 maintains a consistent lineup and is led by founder Claude McKnight. Since 1991, the group has had a stable membership, which has contributed to their longevity and success. This stability has allowed the members to develop a strong bond and understanding of each other's vocal abilities, resulting in their seamless harmonies and intricate arrangements.

Claude McKnight's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the group throughout the years. His vision and direction have helped shape Take 6's evolution of sound, blending jazz, gospel, and R&B elements to create their unique a cappella style. While there has not been a leadership transition within the group, Claude McKnight's leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the group's cohesion and musical direction.

External Resources and Further Reading

For additional information and resources about Take 6, interested readers can explore a variety of external sources and further reading materials. These resources offer a deeper understanding of the influence of jazz in Take 6's music and their impact on contemporary gospel music.

Here are five recommended sources:

Official website of Take 6: The group's official website provides information about their discography, upcoming events, and news updates.
Take 6's page on Encyclopedia.com: This page offers an insightful overview of Take 6's history, musical style, and achievements.
Time magazine article about Take 6: Time magazine's article delves into Take 6's unique blend of jazz and gospel, discussing their impact on the music industry.
Singers.com page about Take 6: This page provides detailed information about Take 6's vocal arrangements, harmonies, and their contributions to the a cappella genre.
AllMusic's page on Take 6 and their awards: AllMusic's comprehensive page offers a detailed discography, reviews, and information about the awards Take 6 has received.

These external resources and further reading materials provide valuable insights for those interested in exploring Take 6's music and their significant contributions to the world of a cappella and gospel music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Meaning Behind the Name "Take 6"?

The name 'Take 6' holds significant meaning for the Grammy-winning a cappella group. While the exact origin is not explicitly stated, it is known that the group's collaboration with Ray Charles played a role in the name selection.

How Did Take 6's Collaboration With Ray Charles Come About?

Take 6's collaboration with Ray Charles arose from their mutual appreciation for jazz and gospel music. Their musical influences, coupled with Charles' iconic status, led to a powerful collaboration that showcased the mastery of both artists.

What Is the Significance of Take 6's Integration of Jazz and Spiritual Lyrics?

The integration of jazz and spiritual lyrics in Take 6's music has had a significant impact on contemporary a cappella music. Their unique blend of genres adds depth and complexity to their sound, setting them apart from other groups in the genre.

How Did Take 6's Time at Oakwood College Shape Their Musical Career?

Take 6's time at Oakwood College played a pivotal role in shaping their musical career. The integration of jazz and spiritual lyrics, combined with their rise to fame in the a cappella world, solidified their status as masters of their craft.

What Sets Take 6 Apart From Other a Cappella Groups in Terms of Their Vocal Range and Classification?

Take 6 sets itself apart from other a cappella groups through their exceptional vocal techniques and diverse musical influences. Each member brings a unique vocal range and classification, allowing for dynamic harmonies and unparalleled musicality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Take 6 has undoubtedly solidified their place as masters of a cappella music, captivating audiences with their unique blend of jazz melodies and spiritual lyrics. Their remarkable journey from the halls of Oakwood College to collaborating with musical legends and achieving chart success is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication.

With a stable lineup and continued innovation, Take 6 continues to inspire and push boundaries in the world of a cappella music.

One interesting statistic that adds depth to their story is that Take 6 has won a total of 10 Grammy Awards throughout their career, further highlighting their immense talent and impact in the music industry.

Our Reader’s Queries

Where did Take 6 go to college?

6 has undergone significant evolution since their formation at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, back in 1980. Claude McKnight initially established the group as The Gentleman’s Estates Quartet. The addition of tenor Mark Kibble happened serendipitously when he overheard the group rehearsing in the dormitory and spontaneously joined in. He also made his debut performance with them that same evening.

How much does it cost to book Take 6?

Booking Take 6 for an event can cost anywhere between $25,000 to $39,999.

What kind of music is Take 6?

Active since 1980, I am involved in 6 different genres including gospel, urban gospel, vocal jazz, R&B, and contemporary Christian music. I have worked with various labels such as Warner Alliance, Reprise, and Heads Up. My main instrument is my voice, which I use for vocal bass, vocal percussion, and even mouth trumpet.

Is Take Six still performing?

Catch Take 6 live at one of their 29 upcoming concerts across the United States! The next performance is on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD. Don’t miss out on the chance to see them in action!

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