(On-site Exclusive Report- Rhonda Frye)
 The Gospel Music Industry is celebrating 100 years of Gospel Music.  The legendary Blackwood Brothers Quartet has been singing nearly 75 of those 100 years! The quartet was established in 1934 with brothers Roy, Doyle, James and Roy’s son RW.  From 1950, James Blackwood carried on the tradition of singing the gospel until he went home to be with the Lord in 2002.  Jimmy (James Jr) has extended and sustained the family’s legend since 1969. Currently, the quartet consists of Jimmy Blackwood, Wayne Little, Randy Byrd and Billy Blackwood- with Mike Hammontree as the pianist.  Using the word “successful” to describe the history of the Blackwood Brothers musical career is an understatement. The Blackwood Brothers Quartet’s music has been heard around the world and back earning many honors including prestigious Grammy and Dove Awards. Â
    On August 20, 2010, Newnan Springs United Methodist Church, of Rossville, GA opened it’s doors to the community for a memorable evening with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. Gospel Music fans flooded the church until there was standing room only.  After a brief introduction, the quartet huddled around 2 microphones and charmed the audience with memories of years passed by singing old favorites with just piano accompaniment.  Several selections from their latest album- “The Song Will Go Onâ€- including the spiritual “Everyday will be Sunday By and By†were loved and well received. The harmonious blend of voices and beautiful music was beyond uplifting.
 The Blackwood Brothers Quartet stirred a response in several ways.  Tears were wiped and a faint “congregational choir” could be heard during familiar songs such as “The Lighthouse†but tears were shed from hearty laughter throughout the evening as well. It is evident that each member of the Quartet possess a transparent and witty sense of humor making themselves irresistible to love by the audience.  The Blackwood Brothers Quartet displayed their fun-loving personalities by telling jokes and especially by putting on a competitive “bass-tenor†show down during “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.† Perhaps one of the most fun highlights of the evening was when pianist Mike Hammontree made his way to the stage to give an incredible Johnny Cash impersonation by singing “Daddy Sang Bass.â€Â  Overall- if one word could sum up the evening, it would have to be “Joy.†Genuine love for God, each other, gospel music and for the audience seemed to have leaked from the legendary Blackwood Brothers Quartet leaving the little town of Rossville, GA filled with immense joy for weeks to come.
To learn about the incredible history of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, how to purchase music- including their latest album “The Song Will Go On” or for concert locations, visit
http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com/index.html
