The multi-Platinum® a cappella sextet Take 6 has collaborated across genres and toured the globe with their funky grooves and received praise from luminaries including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones – who called them “the baddest vocal cats on the planet”. Everyone is taking note of Take 6, so don’t miss their Northwest Arkansas debut on Friday, April 12, as the 2024 VoiceJam A Cappella Festival Headliner.  

This performance is presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community.    

We asked Claude McKnight, the founder of Take 6, a few questions to better understand this electrifying group.  

How did Take 6 get started? 

I started a quartet as a freshman at Oakwood University as a hobby. That quartet grew into a sextet quickly as I met guys who loved close harmony and jazz chords. 

40 years is a long time for any group to be together. What's the secret to your longevity? 

The easy and true answer is that we have love and respect for one another. 

What drew you to this performance field?  

I think it was a genuine collective love for vocal and a cappella music. 

You’ve collaborated with lots of artists. Which one of your collaborations is your favorite and why? 

I’m sure for everyone it could be a different answer. For me it would have to be Quincy Jones. As a producer, there’s no one better creatively in my opinion. He was able to get things from us that even we didn’t know were possible. 
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they? 

One of the things I personally do is to listen to music and just stay calm and collected. I warm up very slowly by warming up my lower range and then moving into my higher register. 

What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music? 

Meeting Nelson Mandela was truly a highlight. Singing at the White House, as well as the Kremlin sticks out also. 

Do you have a favorite genre of music that you like to perform? 

Jazz. 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

I’m a huge classic Earth Wind and Fire fan. On any given day I’ll be playing “That’s the Way of the World” and “Can’t Hide Love.” I also really love Michael McDonald, James Ingram, Marvin Gaye, and Bobby Caldwell. 

What’s one thing you want people to take away from your performance?  

We always leave people to think about all the energy we share during a performance. For us, we spread love and that’s what we leave. 

Give us five words that describe a Take 6 performance.  

Authentic. Energetic. Soothing. Inspiring. Spiritual.