James Blackwood, 82; Renowned Gospel Singer

James Blackwood, the last founding member of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and one of the giants of Southern gospel music, has died. He was 82.

Blackwood died Sunday at Methodist Healthcare-Central Hospital in Memphis of complications of a stroke. He had suffered from several health problems the last few years, including colon cancer.

The Blackwood Brothers recorded more than 200 albums, toured the world, and helped form the Gospel Music Assn. in 1964. They were a favorite of Elvis Presley, who sang briefly with James’ nephew, Cecil, in another quartet, the Songfellows.

The Blackwood Brothers, under James Blackwood’s leadership, “made an indelible impression upon millions worldwide,” said Frank Breeden, president of the gospel association. “Whether through television, radio or live performances, they set and maintained a standard on relating to an audience that is still influencing performers today.”

The group was formed in 1934 by James, his brothers, Roy and Doyle, and Roy’s son, R.W. The family then lived in rural Choctaw County, Miss., where James Blackwood was born.

The group toured successfully until World War II, when it temporarily disbanded. After the war, the Blackwoods regrouped, moving to Memphis in 1950.

In June 1954, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet appeared on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” on television and won the competition. But two weeks later, R.W. and bass singer Bill Lyles died in a plane crash in Alabama.

The surviving Blackwoods regrouped again, adding Cecil Blackwood and J.D. Sumner. In 1970, James Blackwood retired because of health problems and was replaced by his son, Jimmy.

When his health improved, he would occasionally perform with the group, and he founded two other quartets, Masters Five and the James Blackwood Quartet.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet won eight Grammy Awards from 1966 to 1982, some for backup singing for country stars such as Barbara Mandrell and Porter Wagoner. James Blackwood was named best male vocalist by the gospel association seven times.

He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1974, then again in 1998 as part of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

Blackwood is survived by his wife of 62 years, Miriam; sons, Jimmy and Billy; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.