James Blackwood Memories

For sixty-three years, the name of James Blackwood has been synonymous with Southern gospel music. Indeed, it is perhaps fair to say that James may be the most noted gospel singer who has ever lived. During his long career, James has received twenty-eight consecutive Grammy Award nominations, and has won nine Grammy Awards, Seven Dove Awards, four Singing News Fan Awards, and the Marvin Norcross Award - testament to his unparalleled reputation in the gospel music industry. In this book, more than fifty of James' closest friends share their memories of this beloved lead singer. Included among these contributors are some of the most famous names in gospel and country music, as well as nationally-known ministers and evangelists, and a few close family members. Some of these memories are moving, some are tributes, and some are absolutely hilarious. You'll laugh as you read Wally Varner's account of a "gravy duel" he fought with J.D. Sumner in the Louisiana governor's mansion; you'll chuckle at J.D. Sumner's stories about the times he flubbed his lines onstage with The Blackwood Brothers; and you'll smile when Cecil Blackwood tells about the time James turned a complete somersault off the stage and came up still singing without missing a word. You'll be touched by the eloquent tribute given to James by The Statler Brothers and by the warm comments of Bill Gaither and Larry Gatlin. Editor/compiler Allen Dennis begins the book with a thoughtful introduction, and James concludes the volume with some of his own memories and reflection. Scattered throughout are more than seventy photographs, many of which have never been published before. Four appendices give fans of James Blackwood some information and insights never before available.