A concert documentary filmed in Alabama and led by Henry Panion III, Ph.D., won big, including top prizes, at the 46th annual Telly Awards.
Panion, a composer, conductor, educator, producer and 2023 Alabama Music Hall of Fame inductee, is a University Professor of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion III,” released in February 2024, shares the history of the Blind Boys and origins of their music through intimate interviews and compelling biographical vignettes.
For this exclusive performance on stage at UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Panion arranged and orchestrated the Blind Boys’ classic hits and conducted a full orchestra featuring members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra plus a 300-person combined choir from Alabama State and Alabama A&M universities, Miles College, Tuskegee University and Talladega College, Birmingham-Southern College, and the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music. The script for “A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion III” was written by UAB Professor Lee Shackleford, who teaches in the Department of Theatre.
This year, the Emmy-nominated film won a total of 14 Telly Awards, including the Gold Telly for History in the Television category and the Gold Telly for Original Score in the Film & Shorts category. The documentary was awarded Silver Telly awards for Writing, Editing, Directing, Sound & Sound Design, Use of Music, and Culture & Lifestyle, and Bronze Telly awards for Writing, Videography & Cinematography, History, Music Video, and Documentary.
The Telly Awards are the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Winners are selected for recognition based on excellence in several areas. The competition has a two-year eligibility window.
“From writing, directing, cinematography, editing and sound design to historical and cultural significance, virtually every member of the team was recognized for their individual contributions to this project,” Panion said.
“First, there are so many people to thank, as it would not have happened without them, especially the Blind Boys of Alabama, but also directors Mike Edwards and Carey Goin; writer Lee Shackleford; Director of Choirs Valerie R. Harris and the amazing choirs from Miles College, Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Birmingham-Southern, Alabama State University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham; the wonderful orchestra, including members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the UAB Department of Music faculty; a rhythm section that is as solid as they come featuring Cameron Sankey, Clinton Green, Sean Michael Ray and PJ Spraggins; recording and mix master James Bevelle; and the rest of the Audiostate 55 Entertainment team, including Tammi McKisson, DJ Strick and Josh Ford; and the extended handholding team at American Public Television,” Panion said. UAB graduate Cary Goin directed the live component.
“Finally, the two Gold Telly wins are singular wins, meaning there was only one single award from all of the 13,000 entries,” Panion said. “That is truly special, and we are filled with gratitude for this project and the recognition it has received.”
“A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion, III” was recognized with two Southeast Emmy nominations: the first for Audio Recording, Mixing and Design – Post-Production by Bevelle and second for Musical Composition/Arrangement by Panion. See the film on PBS stations nationwide or through PBS Passport.