Take 6: Harmonies That Transcend Time

Take 6 is no ordinary a cappella group. Founded by Claude McKnight in the early 1980s at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, this vocal powerhouse has redefined the boundaries of harmony and innovation. With a career spanning decades, the sixmember ensemble continues to inspire listeners with their unique blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop.

A Brief History

Take 6’s journey began at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, in the early 1980s. McKnight, who had a lifelong love of music, founded the group that would evolve into the six-member powerhouse we know today. Originally called “Alliance,” the group’s early repertoire was rooted in gospel, but, as McKnight told me, "We all listen to everything.

“We didn’t start with big ambitions. We just wanted to sing and make music that moved us,” McKnight recalled during our recent phone conversation. “Turns out, if you sing with passion and authenticity, people will feel it.” Their big break came in 1987, when their demo tape landed in the hands of Warner Bros. executives. By 1988, Take 6 released their self-titled debut album, which earned them not one, but two Grammy Awards. The group’s unique blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop was a revelation, setting a gold standard for a cappella music that continues to inspire performers worldwide.

Decades of Success

Over the years, Take 6 has amassed 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, and a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. They’ve collaborated with music legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston, all while staying true to their roots. When asked about their musical influences, McKnight shared, “Everything! As we’re arranging and looking for songs and ideas, we draw from gospel and jazz— that’s a no-brainer for us because that’s who we are. But there are also elements from Earth, Wind & Fire, the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan—all that kind of stuff. It’s all in our DNA.”

Collaboration and Innovation

McKnight also shed light on the group’s approach to their sound: “We don’t use a lot of tricks in the studio or on stage. Very little compression (a tool used to even out the volume of different elements of s mix), for example. We rely on sound engineers who know each of our voices intimately and can make adjustments on the fly. It’s about maintaining the organic ability of each member to shine while blending perfectly together.”

A large part of Take 6’s sound comes from their key arranger, Mark Kibble. “The sound of Take 6 basically comes from the brain of Mark, even though we all arrange,” McKnight explained. “He’s the genius behind many of the intricate harmonies that define us.”

A Tribute to Quincy Jones

The group has had the privilege of working with many legendary figures, including the late Quincy Jones. McKnight shared heartfelt memories of their time with the music icon: “We met Quincy very early in our career. He was ‘Uncle Q’ to us, always encouraging us to push our boundaries. He had this incredible ability to make you so comfortable in the studio that you felt free to experiment and bring your best self to the table. That’s where the magic happened.”

A Legacy of Inspiration

Through decades of music-making, Take 6 has remained true to their mission of uplifting and inspiring audiences worldwide. Whether it’s through their impeccable harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, or interactive stage presence, they continue to demonstrate why they are legends in the industry.

As McKnight puts it, “We’re not just performers. We’re storytellers, and every song is a new story to share.”

You can learn more about Take 6, their philanthropic work with Music Gives to St. Jude’s Kids, and where to find Take 6 on tour by visiting https://take6.com.