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Visitation will be Wednesday, February 6 at Roller Family Funeral Home, 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128 (901) 371-9500/

The funeral service will be held Thursday, February 7th, 1:00PM Central time, at First Assembly of God on 8650 Walnut Grove Road in Memphis. Arrangements are being conducted by Roller Family Funeral Home of Memphis. Survivors include his wife, Mim, sons Jimmy and Billy, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Blackwood passed away Sunday morning, February 3rd in Memphis, and was last living member of the original Blackwood Brothers Quartet, originating in Mississippi in the mid-30's.

Over the years, James has received most every award and honor that could be given in Gospel Music, including several Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, and others. He was a pioneer and innovator, and was involved in recording, radio, television, publishing, promoting, National Quartet Convention, and other aspects of the industry. As one of a small handful of groups who recorded and stayed on a major label, through the medium of RCA Victor Records, the music of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet became well known in many countries outside of the United States. The Blackwood Brothers recorded for RCA for over 20 years.

In the late 50's, The Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen combined forces to form Skylite Recording Company, and in addition to recordings of The Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen, Skylite became the recording label for The Speer Family, The Rebels Quartet, Oak Ridge Quartet, Weatherfords, The Stamps Quartet, The Blue Ridge Quartet, and others. Many of the groups on this label became well known through another medium, as again The Statesmen and Blackwood Brothers joined forces to produce a weekly syndicated TV show, "Singing Time In Dixie," which was seen in most major markets. These groups later produced another syndicated TV Show, "The Glory Road." In 1957, the first National Quartet Convention was held in Memphis, and it was financed by James Blackwood and the late J. D. Sumner, with most major groups of the day booked for the event.

We've lost another great man - one whose life and music has touched millions of people - one whose life and career could not be adequately covered in this post. He truly and adequately gave most of his life to further Gospel Music and with dignity and class.

Memorials may be sent to:

Gospel Music Trust Fund
P. O. Box 144
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

or

Southern Gospel Music Association
P. O. Box 6729
Sevierville, TN 37864

Please keep the Blackwood Family in your prayers.

Written by Harold Timmons

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