James Webre Blackwood (August 4, 1919 – February 3, 2002) was an American gospel singer and one of the founding members of legendary
Southern gospel
Southern gospel music is a genre of Christian music. Its name comes from its origins in the southeastern United States. Its lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as ...
quartet
The Blackwood Brothers
The Blackwood Brothers are an American southern gospel quartet. Pioneers of the Christian music industry, they are 8-time Grammy Award winners in addition to winning 7 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. They are also members of the Memphis M ...
. He is the only person in any field of music to have been nominated for a
Grammy Award
The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...
for 28 consecutive years. He received 31 nominations and won nine Grammy Awards.
Biography
Blackwood was born on August 4, 1919, in
Choctaw County, Mississippi
Choctaw County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2010 census, the population was 8,547. Its northern border is the Big Black River, which flows southwest into the Mississippi River south of Vic ...
, to sharecropper William Emmett Blackwood and his wife Carrie Prewitt Blackwood. He was the youngest of four children, which included his brother Roy Blackwood (December 24, 1900 – March 21, 1971), sister Lena Blackwood Cain (December 31, 1904 – March 1, 1990) and brother Doyle Blackwood (August 21, 1911 – October 3, 1974).
In 1926, he and his brother Doyle had developed an interest in gospel music, singing at church gatherings, camp meetings, schools and any place they saw the opportunity. During this period, they sang on
WTJS in
Jackson, Tennessee
Jackson is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Tennessee, United States. Located east of Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis, it is a regional center of trade for West Tennessee. Its total population was 68,205 as of the 2020 United States ...
.
Blackwood formed a singing group with his nephew R. W. and his brothers Roy and Doyle.
The Blackwood Brothers
The Blackwood Brothers are an American southern gospel quartet. Pioneers of the Christian music industry, they are 8-time Grammy Award winners in addition to winning 7 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. They are also members of the Memphis M ...
' first broadcast was on the radio station WHEF, AM 1500, in
Kosciusko, Mississippi
Kosciusko is a city in Attala County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 7,402 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Attala County.
History
Shortly before the War of 1812, David Choate, a French trader along with his wife, a Ch ...
, in 1934. The quartet soon began broadcasting on the larger WJDX in Jackson, moving to
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport ( ) is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the third most populous city in Louisiana after New Orleans and Baton Rouge, respectively. The Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area, with a population of 393,406 in 2020, is t ...
, in 1939, and
Shenandoah, Iowa
Shenandoah is a city in Page and Fremont counties in Iowa, United States. The population was 4,925 at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census. Once referred to as the "seed and nursery center of the world," Shenandoah is the home to Earl May Seed Compa ...
, in 1940.
In early World War II, the quartet temporarily disbanded as James joined the war effort as a factory welder in California. As the other members joined him in California, they resumed singing and the quartet was based in
San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
from 1944 to 1945 as they continued simultaneously working in the war-related industries. After the war, they returned to Iowa in September 1945 resuming their broadcast on KMA Radio in Shenandoah. In 1950, the quartet moved to
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the seat of Shelby County in the southwest part of the state; it is situated along the Mississippi River. With a population of 633,104 at the 2020 U.S. census, Memphis is the second-mos ...
, and the radio station WMPS.
In 1951, they signed a recording contract with RCA Victor Records.
Soon they began traveling to their concert appearances by private plane with R.W. Blackwood and the bass singer Bill Lyles as pilot and co-pilot. On June 12, 1954, the Blackwood Brothers won first place on the CBS radio and TV program ''Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts Show''. On June 30, 1954, in
Clanton, Alabama
Clanton is a city in Chilton County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Birmingham–Hoover–Cullman Combined Statistical Area. At the 2020 census, the population was . The city is the county seat of Chilton County. Clanton is near the ...
, the quartet was preparing for concert at the airport for the Chilton County Peach Festival. During a few practice touch-and-go landings the plane crashed and R. W., Bill Lyles and family friend Johnny Ogburn died in the crash. The quartet re-organized following the plane crash with R. W.'s younger brother, Cecil Blackwood as baritone and J.D. Sumner as bass. In 1956, the re-organized group appeared on Arthur Godfrey's ''Talent Scout Show'' and won a second time.
In the mid-1950s, the quartet started traveling in a customized bus, another first for the group.
James Blackwood, Cecil Blackwood and
J. D. Sumner
John Daniel Sumner (November 19, 1924 – November 16, 1998) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. Sumner sang in five quartets and wa ...
founded the
National Quartet Convention
The National Quartet Convention (NQC) is an annual gathering of Southern Gospel quartets and musicians. It is held at the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States.
History
The first National Quartet Convention was held in 1957. J. ...
in 1957, originally a 3-day event held at
Ellis Auditorium
The Ellis Auditorium was a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. It hosted local sporting events and concerts.
History
The auditorium opened in 1924 as a multipurpose concert hall, convention center, and athletic arena. The ...
in Memphis.
In 1964, the Blackwood Brothers chartered the Gospel Music Association.
After singing with The Blackwood Brothers Quartet for 47 years, James (together with four other veteran gospel singers, Hovie Lister, Jake Hess, J. D. Sumner and Rosie Rozell) formed the
Masters V Quartet, the highlight being a joint concert with The Rivertown Boys in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1990, he formed the James Blackwood Quartet with Ken Turner, Brad White and Ray Shelton. Rosie Rozell sang tenor in the initial performances, but Larry Ford quickly became the permanent tenor as Shelton's health deteriorated. This group, like James' preceding groups, also received a Grammy nomination.
Personal life
On May 4, 1939, Blackwood married Miriam (Mim) Grantham. They had two sons, James Jr. and Billy. He died of a stroke on February 3, 2002, at Methodist Healthcare Central Hospital in Memphis. He was buried at
Forest Hill Cemetery East, in Memphis.
Legacy
Grammys
Win
*1966 Best Sacred Recording (Musical), ''The Grand Old Gospel'',
Porter Wagoner
Porter Wayne Wagoner (August 12, 1927 – October 28, 2007) was an American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour.
In 1967, he introduced singer Dolly Parton on his television show, ''The Po ...
&
The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1967 Best Sacred Recording (Musical), ''More Grand Old Gospel'', Porter Wagoner & The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1969 Best Gospel Performance, ''In Gospel Country'', Porter Wagoner & The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1972 Best Gospel Performance, ''L-O-V-E'', Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1973 Best Gospel Performance, ''Release Me (From My Sin)'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1979 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''Lift Up The Name Of Jesus'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1980 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''We Come To Worship'', Produced by Mark Blackwood, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1981 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''The Masters V'', The Masters V Quartet
*1982 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''I'm Following You'', Produced by Mark Blackwood, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Nomination
*1965 Best Gospel, Sacred, Inspirational Performance, ''The Blackwood Brothers Quartet''
*1966 Best Sacred Recording (Musical), ''How Big is God'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1967 Best Gospel Performance, ''The Blackwood Brothers Quartet Sings for Joy'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1967 Best Sacred Performance, ''Surely Goodness and Mercy'',
George Beverly Shea
George Beverly Shea (February 1, 1909 – April 16, 2013) was a Canadian-born American gospel singer and hymn composer. Shea was often described as "America's beloved gospel singer"Michael Ireland, "America's 'Beloved Gospel Singer,' George Bever ...
with The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1968 Best Gospel Performance, ''Yours Faithfully'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1971 Best Gospel Performance, ''He's Still the King of Kings (and Lord of Lords)'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1974 Best Gospel Performance, ''There He Goes'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1976 Best Gospel Performance, ''Learning to Lean'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1977 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''
Bill Gaither Songs by the Blackwood Brothers'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1978 Best Gospel Performance, Traditional, ''His Amazing Love'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1997 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album, ''Keep Lookin' Up: The Texas Swing Sessions'', James Blackwood and The Light Crust Doughboys
*1998 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album, ''They Gave the World a Smile: the Stamps Quartet Tribute Album'', James Blackwood Quartet and The Light Crust Doughboys
*2000 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album, ''The Great Gospel Hit Parade: From Memphis To Nashville To Texas'', James Blackwood, The Jordanaires and The Light Crust Doughboys
During his long career, James was probably honored with more awards that any other gospel singer. He is the only person in any field of music to have been nominated for a Grammy award for 28 consecutive years. He received 31 total nominations and won nine Grammy Awards.
In the 1990s, at the request of
Art Greenhaw
Art Greenhaw (born July 14, 1954) is an American musician, record producer and audio engineer who was awarded the Grammy Award in 2003 for the Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for ''We Called Him Mr. Gospel Music: The James Bl ...
, a lifelong fan and musical disciple of James Blackwood, Blackwood began a series of recording sessions with Greenhaw's band, The
Light Crust Doughboys
The Light Crust Doughboys is an American Western swing band from Texas, United States, organized in 1931 by the Burrus Mill and Elevator Company in Saginaw, Texas. The band achieved its peak popularity in the few years leading up to World War II. I ...
. The collaboration resulted in four Grammy nominations in four different years for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year, two Dove nominations for Best Gospel Album of the Year in either southern or country gospel categories, and Inspirational TV's nomination for Best Southern Gospel Album of the Year. In the year of Blackwood's, ''We Called Him Mr. Gospel Music: The James Blackwood Tribute Album'' (2002) was released and won the
at the
2003 Grammy Awards
The 45th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2003 at Madison Square Garden in New York City honoring the best in music for the recording of the year beginning from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002. Musicians accomplishments ...
in New York City.
GMA Dove Awards
His peers in the
Gospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of gospel music. As of 2011, there are about 4,000 members worldwide. The GMA's membership co ...
voted him the
GMA Dove Award
A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented annually. Formerly held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards ...
Top Male Vocalist for seven consecutive years.
*1969 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1970 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1972 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1973 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1974 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1975 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1976 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1977 Male Vocalist of the Year
*1970 Album of the Year - Darol Rice; RCA Victor, ''Fill My Cup, Lord'', The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1973 Male Group of the Year, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1974 Male Group of the Year, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1974 Associate Membership Award, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1976 Associate Membership Award, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
*1977 Associate Membership Award, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Others
In 1974, the Gospel Music Association inducted Blackwood as the third living person to be voted into the
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1972 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music.
Inductees
This is an incompl ...
.
Sang at the Funerals of Gladys Presley and Elvis Presley.
The
Southern Gospel Music Association
The Southern Gospel Music Association (''SGMA'') is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of southern gospel music singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues. T ...
inducted Blackwood into the
Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame
The Southern Gospel Music Association (''SGMA'') is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of southern gospel music singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues. T ...
in 1997.
In 1983, the
Golden State University awarded him an honorary Doctoral Degree of Music. In 1986,
Memphis State University
}
The University of Memphis (UofM) is a public university, public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1912, the university has an enrollment of more than 22,000 students.
The university maintains the Herff College of Engineering ...
awarded him its Distinguished Achievement Award in the field of communications and fine arts. In 1997, the Memphis and Shelby County Optimists Clubs named him Citizen of the Year, presenting him with plaques and citations from 16 government and civic groups.
In 1994, the ''Singing News'' magazine presented him with the
Marvin Norcross Award {{unreferenced, date=October 2014
The Marvin Norcross Award is awarded yearly in the Singing News Fan Awards ceremony to honor an individual selected by the staff of the Singing News magazine who has made distinct contributions to Southern gospel mu ...
. In 1997, ''Gospel Voice'' magazine gave him the Living Legend Award. These are among the highest awards in gospel music.
In 2001, he was presented with the General Superintendent's Medal of Honor from the Assemblies of God, the highest recognition from that organization.
He appeared on all of the major television networks, in shows including ''Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts'' (CBS), ''Dave Garroway'' (NBC), ''Johnny Cash Show'' (ABC), ''Tennessee Ernie Ford Show'' (ABC), ''Tom Snyder Show'' (NBC), ''Dinah Shore Show'' (NBC), ''Hee Haw'' (CBS), ''Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters'' (NBC), ''Statler Brothers Show'' (TNN) and the ''700 Club'', PTL and TBN.
He sang in all 50 American states, every Canadian province and 35 foreign countries.
Television appearances
*''
Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts
''Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts'' (also known as ''Talent Scouts'') was an American radio and television variety show which ran on CBS from 1946 until 1958. Sponsored by Lipton Tea, it starred Arthur Godfrey, who was also hosting '' Arthur Godf ...
'' (1954)
*''Sing a Song for Heaven's Sake'' (1966)
*''
The Johnny Cash Show
''The Johnny Cash Show'' is an American television music variety show hosted by Johnny Cash. The Screen Gems 58-episode series ran from June 7, 1969, to March 31, 1971, on ABC; it was taped at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The ...
'' (1971)
*''
28th Grammy Awards
The 28th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 25, 1986, at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year, 1985. The night's big winner was USA For Africa's "We Are The World", which won ...
'' (1986)
*''Homecoming'' (1991)
*''Reunion: A Gospel Homecoming Celebration'' (1992)
*''A Christmas Homecoming'' (1993)
*''Old Friends: A Gospel Homecoming Celebration'' (1993)
*''Turn Your Radio On'' (1993)
*''Bill & Gloria Gaither Present: Landmark with Their Homecoming Friends'' (1994)
*''O Happy Day: Old-Time Southern Singing Convention'' (1994)
*''Precious Memories'' (1994)
*''Bill & Gloria Gaither Present: Revival with Their Homecoming Friends'' (1995)
*''The Sweetest Song I Know'' (1995)
*''Bill & Gloria Gaither Present: The Blackwood Brothers Family Reunion'' (1995)
*''When All God's Singers Get Home'' (1996)
*''He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley'' (2000)
*''Sounds of Memphis'' (2002)
References
External links
*
SGMA.orgGMAHallofFame.org*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackwood, James
1919 births
2002 deaths
American gospel singers
People from Choctaw County, Mississippi
Southern gospel performers
People from Shenandoah, Iowa
20th-century American singers
20th-century American male singers