The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Concert Review by Vivian Belknap
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Grand Prairie, Texas
How many quartets can say they are celebrating 80 years of classic southern gospel music? In 2014, Billy Blackwood continues the legacy started in 1934 by his Dad, James Blackwood.
I had the great privilege to attend a concert featuring Billy Blackwood and The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, February 13, 2014, hosted by Pastor Bill Webb and the Bible Believer’s Assembly of God Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Those in attendance were treated with what Pastor Webb told Billy earlier in the afternoon would be “a night like never before.”
The Quartet consists of lead singer, Billy Blackwood; Wayne Little, tenor; Butch Owens, bass and Michael Helwig, baritone.
The “night like never before” began with the classic feel of “The Joy of Knowing Jesus.” The presence of the Holy Spirit was sweetly strong as the concert continued with songs like “The Old Country Church,” “It Is No Secret” and “The Lighthouse.” Billy introduced a new song he wrote, “That’s What Heaven Will Be.”
As though it couldn’t get any better, Billy shared his heart. He proclaimed the goodness and grace of our Father through Jesus. He said, “Gospel music is not defined by the music, but by the message. The message makes it gospel music.” Then we heard the majestic orchestration of “Declaration of Dependence,” from their album “Sweet Songs About Heaven.” The song strongly declares our dependence on Jesus.
Big John Hall was in the audience and Billy asked him to come to the stage. As John walked on stage, with tears in his eyes, he said, “Your dad never missed a note; he never missed a beat; never, ever.” Such a sweet time we got to see between these two men. Then we were blessed to hear John sing, “How Big is God.”
The evening ended with the quartet singing a medley of audience requested songs. Then Billy closed in prayer; the presence of our Lord was amazing as Billy said, “I don’t want to leave Your presence.” “There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place,” was the final song. Was it a night like never before? YES!
Billy Blackwood not only resembles his dad physically, but like James Blackwood, he is a gentleman on the stage, behind the product table and in the parking lot.
When you have the opportunity to see them in concert, you will leave blessed and renewed in spirit.
For The Blackwood Brothers tour schedule and other information, click on to http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com/
