James Blackwood Quartet And The Light Crust Doughboys - They Gave The World A Smile

Thursday 1st April 1999
James Blackwood Quartet And The Light Crust Doughboys - They Gave The World A Smile

STYLE: Country
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13465-
LABEL: Doughboys DB1014
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Paul Davis

18 tracks interspersed with comments and memories of the historic Texas-based Stamps Quartet from the '20s and '30s are herewith paraded by the James Blackwood Quartet and the Texas-swing veterans known as the Light Crust Doughboys. At first impression this seems a strange mix but it works magnificently. Ask any gospel music fan in the world the question 'Which group most epitomises for you the best Southern gospel quartet style of singing?' and it's a safe bet that the Blackwood Brothers would be top of the list! Throughout the second half of the 20th century their illustrious name became synonymous with excellence in their particular field. James Blackwood started the group in 1934 and is still going strong today! The Blackwood Brothers remain unique; legends among their peers, successors and fans alike. In retrospect it is evident that their rock and roll sounds preceded the secular music industry revolution by three or four years. Their effect on mainstream popular music is often understated especially with reference to their considerable influence on the young Elvis Presley. What was the domineering influence on the Blackwoods? It was the Stamps Quartet of a generation earlier. Here's a fascinating piece of gospel music history remembered!

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