The Blackwood Brothers Quartet was formed in 1934 with brothers Roy, Doyle, James and Roy's son, R.W. Blackwood. Hilton Griswold joined as pianist in the early 40's. Roy and Doyle retired from the quartet in the late 40's. R. W. and bass singer, Bill Lyles lost their lives in a tragic airplane crash in 1954. James re-grouped with such gospel music legends as J. D. Sumner, Bill Shaw, Cecil Blackwood and with other great singers and pianists throught the years such as Jack Marshall and Wally Varner, to continue the tradtion as one of the best-known quartets in the history of gospel music.
In 2002, James Blackwood moved onto his eternal reward, but his son, Jimmy (James Jr.) continues the more than 75-year tradition. The group today consists of Wayne Little and Randy Byrd, acclaimed the best tenor/bass combination in gospel music and Billy Blackwood, James' youngest son. The result is one of the best quartets you will ever hear!
Anchoring the Blackwood sound is the great lead voice of Jimmy Blackwood. Jimmy joined the Blackwood Brothers in 1969 after having sung with the Junior Blackwood Brothers and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Both the Blackwood Brothers and Stamps have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Jimmy is a five-time Grammy Award winner. He and his wife Mona have two daughters, Dana and Debbie, and five grandchildren.
Wayne has sung for many years in numerous quartets including the Crystal River Boys, and most recently, New Millennium. His crystal clear tenor voice is amazing people across the country. He has sung at hundreds of events including a concert at the Pentagon with Franklin Graham. He and his wife Gina have two sons, Micah and Maison.
Randy provides the foundation for the quartet. His smooth bass voice and personality are winning fans across the country. Before joining the Blackwood Brothers, he sang with the group Majesty in Des Moines, IA. He and his wife Lisa have three daughters, Misti, Tiffani, and Kristin and three granddaughters and one grandson.
Billy, James Blackwood's youngest son, sings baritone and is the music arranger for the quartet. Billy played drums for J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet at the age of 14. He also played for the Blackwood Brothers, Gordon Jensen and Sunrise, and Andrus/Blackwood & Company and toured with Voice, the opening act for the Elvis Presley show. He has traveled in solo ministry and has worked in youth and pastoral ministry. Billy has four daughters and one son.
