Few groups did more, for longer, in developing Christian music than the legendary BLACKWOOD BROTHERS QUARTET. Paul Davis talks to Southern gospel legend James Blackwood.

It was not until the late '60s that attitudes changed substantially with the advent of contemporary Christian music. This movement was spearheaded by a younger generation who rightly saw themselves as being the Church of tomorrow. Although the BBs had always sung with a popular beat, in a very real way they represented the old guard.

A more subtle factor emerged to dilute the power that the Blackwood Brothers wielded. It was the move away from Christian performers who overtly displayed what was seen as the unbecoming techniques and theatrics of show-business. Extrovert style and attire were giving cause for misgivings leading to mistrust, however unfounded. Perhaps in retrospect the usually astute Blackwood Brothers were slow to respond to the demand for greater displays of piety and emphasis on ministry rather than entertainment.

From the mid-'50s into the '80s, the BBs continued to bring innovation, and amassed a trophy display-case brim full of awards. Their energy, unprecedented professionalism and sheer quality became the pattern for thousands of aspiring wannabes' in the Christian music sphere.

Attitudes, fashions and tastes have inevitably changed with the passage of time. Yet the Blackwood Brothers' innovative professionalism survived the ravages of circumstance and time. Indeed, not least since the revitalising, priceless promotion they have received via the phenomenally successful Bill And Gloria Gaither videos. This strategic TV exposure in the '90s has dramatically resurrected dormant or waning careers, reviving interest in gospel performers of historic importance.

For 50 years the Blackwood Brothers displayed an entertaining, edifying and evangelistic singing partnership. They have sung to hundreds of millions and can also take rightful credit as encouragers and facilitators of hundreds of other Christian acts for whom they blazed a trail.

Before their time, Christian music seldom jumped the secular fence. Thus no substantial impact had been made by Christian music on show business. The BBs popularised among the general public, a Christian music industry that provided a new style of pleasing gospel songs. Such repertoire was designed to stir cold hearts and challenge honest seekers with the Gospel, while at the same time, thoroughly entertain!

On the way, they upset more than a few of the stiff-necked, serious-minded religionists who were rightfully fearful of mixing ministry with entertainment. Most contentious of all was the vexed issue of commercialisation of a free gospel. Without fear or favour, undeterred the Blackwood Brothers progressed their daring strategy. Today's thriving Christian music industry, gospel-concert circuit and the GMA are living legacies of the BBs.

The BBs were uniquely saluted by the Statler Brothers. At their nostalgic, harmonic-best, the Statlers' Mercury recording is their personal testament; a story-telling ballad aptly entitled 'The Blackwood Brothers'. It is a remarkable, fitting tribute, the type of which is rare in the harsh dog-eat-dog world of show biz!

The BBs story is an account of how the delicate, sensitive balance between the commercial business of entertainment and the sacrifice of ministry in sacred song can be struck. Sometimes they failed, occasionally spectacularly. They upset, or conversely delighted, some scoffing religionists keen to magnify human imperfection, question motives and generally seek to find fault. When one flies high and lives daringly one can expect some spectacular falls from time to time.

No one is without fault. No matter how pious, committed, or sincere one may be, we all fail the test of ultimate perfection. Yet, overall, taking all into account, this writer, to quote the much-respected Christian music sage, Bill Gaither, considers that the BBs finished the race well! Their music is a precious, sacred-song legacy to those who follow in the gospel music train.