Blackwood Brothers Quartet Celebrates 80 Years with New Album

By Timothy Yap Nov 13, 2014 01:36 AM EST

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet was formed in 1934 with brothers Roy, Doyle, James and Roy's son, R.W. In the late 50s Roy and Doyle retired from traveling and in 1954 R.W. was killed in a tragic airplane crash. However the quartet with James, as the quartets' leader and spokesman, established a new group of singers who would go on to take Gospel music to new heights. 80 years later, they are celebrating this milestone with the release of "Forever: 80th Anniversary Recording" via Daywind Records on November 18th.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet now comprises of group manager and baritone singer Billy Blackwood, lead singer Michael Helwig, tenor singer Wayne Little and bass singer Butch Owens. The "Forever" project consists of seven new songs - penned by writers such as Lee Black, Dave Clark, Marty Funderburk, Sue Smith, Jimmy Taylor and Dianne Wilkinson - and three older songs. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys made a special guest appearance on the song "Long Gone," which was written by Billy Blackwood, Kenna West and Jason Cox.

"I have never been so excited about the potential of one of our records," emphasizes Billy Blackwood. "The bottom line is that we have a message and a mandate to share the story of God's love and His plan for people. We believe these songs are a vehicle to get that message to a greater audience than ever before."

The Blackwood Brothers worked with two different producers on the project, Ricky Free and Trey Ivey.

"Working with two producers was an interesting approach but was also a great experience," says Blackwood. "Trey Ivey and Ricky Free are very talented young men who have helped to take us to another level musically. The music is a bit edgier and more radio friendly than past projects, but there is, however, some very traditional Blackwood Brothers-sounding songs as well."

Free and Ivey produced five songs each on the project.

"I was honored to have been a part of producing this new record for a quartet that has such a long history in Gospel Music," points out Free. "I hope this new record only expands their already huge fan base."

Ivey adds, "It was an honor getting to work with the Blackwood Brothers. Billy, Butch, Mike and Wayne are great talents and great men. They do what they do with excellence, and this project is no exception."

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