Take 6: Pioneers of Contemporary A Cappella Gospel

Take 6 is an American a cappella vocal group renowned for their intricate jazz harmonies and gospel roots. Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, the ensemble achieved mainstream success with their self-titled 1988 debut album, which earned two Grammy Awards and widespread critical acclaim for its sophisticated sound.

Early career

The group's origins trace back to 1980 at Oakwood College, a historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution. Originally formed as The Gentleman's Estate Quartet by Claude V. McKnight III, the lineup evolved, eventually solidifying into the sextet known as Take 6 by 1987. Their demo tape caught the attention of Warner Alliance, leading to their first record deal.

Breakthrough

The 1988 release of Take 6 on Reprise Records was the group's definitive breakthrough. The album fused gospel themes with complex jazz chords and a cappella virtuosity, surprising the music industry and listeners alike. It won Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance and Best Soul Gospel Performance, eventually selling over a million copies and achieving gold certification.

Key tracks

Spread Love — This upbeat, harmonically rich track from their debut became an instant signature song and a staple of their live performances.

David and Goliath — A showcase of their vocal percussion and bass effects, this song highlighted their innovative approach to a cappella storytelling.

Get Away, Jordan — Their stunning arrangement of this traditional spiritual demonstrated their deep gospel roots and technical precision.

I L-O-V-E U — This smooth, jazz-inflected track from their 1990 album So Much 2 Say showed their ability to craft accessible pop melodies within their complex style.

Throughout the 1990s, Take 6 expanded their reach with albums like He Is Christmas (1991) and Join the Band (1994), which incorporated more R&B and pop influences. Their consistent excellence led to collaborations with a staggering array of stars, including Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Quincy Jones. To date, the Take 6 discography has earned them ten Grammy Awards and multiple Dove Awards.

The group's influence extends beyond gospel and jazz, having worked with artists like Ray Charles, k.d. lang, and even performing with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Their later albums, such as Beautiful World (2002) and One (2012), continued to explore social themes and musical fusion while maintaining their core sound. Take 6 remains a touring and recording force, celebrated for their live shows and educational workshops.

Fans of Take 6 often appreciate the sophisticated harmonies of The Manhattan Transfer, another vocal group mastering jazz and pop. The gospel-infused R&B of Boyz II Men shares a similar dedication to vocal arrangement and emotional delivery. For a cappella innovation in a pop context, listeners enjoy Pentatonix, who follow in the path Take 6 helped pave. The jazz vocal purity of The Real Group from Sweden also offers a compelling parallel in style and technique.

The music of Take 6 maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on gospel and inspirational FM stations, jazz radio networks, and online a cappella music streams. Their timeless recordings are fixtures on playlists dedicated to vocal excellence and classic contemporary gospel.

You can hear the groundbreaking a cappella gospel and jazz of Take 6 on radio stations featured across our network. Discover their vast catalog and legendary harmonies by tuning into the gospel, jazz, and vocal music stations available right here on onairium.com.