Take 6

Take 6. An American a cappella vocal group renowned for their intricate jazz-influenced harmonies and pioneering role in contemporary gospel music. Formed at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, the ensemble has achieved widespread acclaim for their virtuosic vocal technique and sophisticated arrangements. Their work has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Award wins, and they have collaborated with a diverse array of iconic artists across genres.

History

The group's origins trace back to the mid-1980s at the historically Black Oakwood University, then known as Oakwood College, where founding members Claude V. McKnight III and Mark Kibble began singing together. Initially called "Alliance," the group evolved through various member changes before solidifying as a sextet and signing with Reprise Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1988, was a critical and commercial success, earning them two Grammy Awards and establishing their signature sound. Throughout the 1990s, they released a series of influential albums like So Much 2 Say and Join the Band, while performing on prestigious stages such as the White House and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Their career expanded to include significant work in film, contributing to the soundtrack for Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, and television, appearing on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Musical style and influence

The ensemble is celebrated for a complex musical style that seamlessly blends the harmonic sophistication of jazz with the spiritual fervor of gospel music and the rhythmic sensibilities of R&B. Their arrangements often feature dense, close harmony clusters, vocally imitated instrumental lines, and sophisticated jazz chords that draw clear inspiration from groups like The Hi-Lo's and The Manhattan Transfer. This innovative approach has profoundly influenced the development of modern a cappella music, paving the way for later acts such as Boyz II Men, Pentatonix, and the collegiate a cappella scene popularized by the Pitch Perfect franchise. Their technical precision and expansive repertoire have led to collaborations with legends including Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles.

Members

The current lineup consists of founding members Claude V. McKnight III (baritone) and Mark Kibble (first tenor, vocal percussion), alongside longtime members Joel Kibble (second tenor), Dave Thomas (bass), Alvin Chea (bass), and Khristian Dentley (second tenor, baritone). Original member Mervyn Warren (first tenor) left the group after their second album to pursue a successful career as a composer and arranger, working on projects like the film The Preacher's Wife and with artists such as Madonna. The group has maintained remarkable stability in its core membership, contributing to their distinctive and cohesive sound.

Discography

Their catalog includes a mix of studio albums, holiday releases, and collaborative projects that showcase their artistic range. Key studio albums include Take 6 (1988), So Much 2 Say (1990), He Is Christmas (1991), Join the Band (1994), Brothers (1996), and Beautiful World (2002). Later works like The Standard (2008) and Iconic (2018) found them interpreting classics from the Great American Songbook and celebrating gospel music history. They have also released live albums and contributed to major projects like Quincy Jones's Back on the Block and the soundtrack for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Awards and recognition

The group has been honored with ten Grammy Awards, alongside numerous Dove Awards and Soul Train Music Award nominations. In 2014, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy within the genre. They have received praise from institutions like the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and were named to DownBeat magazine's list of "Vocal Groups of the Year." Their influence was further acknowledged when they performed for the Obama administration at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, highlighting their enduring status as cultural ambassadors.

Category:American gospel musical groups Category:Grammy Award winners Category:A cappella musical groups