Bill Shaw Re-unites with the Blackwood Brothers on Stage
Posted by webmaster | Posted in Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show, Blackwood Press Releases | Posted on 18-06-2005
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SGMA Hall Of Fame Legend, Bill Shaw, re-unites with the Blackwood Brothers on stage at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater
Pigeon Forge, TN – Bill Shaw, a true legend of Gospel Music, gave a surprise performance during the Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show Saturday Morning, June 18, 2005. Shaw joined Ron and R.W. Blackwood, Jr. on stage and shared some fond memories before wowing the audience with two special songs.
At the age of 81, his tenor voice is still strong and clear. Sharing the stage with Ron, R.W., Donna, and Shelley Blackwood, Paul Hyde, and Royce Taylor, Shaw sang two of the standards in Gospel music, “Feeling Mighty Fine” and “Stranger of Galilee.”
When asked about his relationship with Ron and R.W., Jr., Shaw said, “I am real proud of these guys. Their show is like Gospel music gone to Hollywood!”
Bill Shaw joined the Blackwood Brothers in September of 1952 after being approached by RW Blackwood, Sr. who was managing the group at the time. Shaw had been singing with an unknown group for only 6 months prior to being spotted by the late Mr. Blackwood.
Shaw spoke of his discovery by the Blackwoods, “It was like going from the minor leagues to the majors in six months!”
In June of 1954, The Blackwood Brothers (with RW Blackwood, SR., James Blackwood, Bill Lyles, and Bill Shaw), set a musical precedence by becoming the first group ever to perform Gospel music on network television. Their performance on the popular CBS broadcast, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” took the Blackwoods, and Gospel music to heights they had never previously seen. Two weeks following the appearance on nationwide television, RW Blackwood, Sr. and Bill Lyles were killed in a plane crash.
During the special Father’s Day show, Ron and R.W. asked Bill what it had been like to sing with their dad who had passed away when they were only young boys. Shaw said, “RW was a singer like no other, he had an amazing range, and loved everything about the music. I loved singing with him.”
Ron, R.W., Donna and Shelley Blackwood are devoted to honoring the memory of the original Blackwood Brothers and many of the other legendary groups who sacrificed to make Gospel Music the wonderful part of Americana that it is today. The Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show occurs Tuesday through Saturday at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater. A wonderful country breakfast is served at 8:30 am, and the pre-show starts at 9:00. Call 865-908-7469 (908-SHOW) for reservations.
photo shows: left to right: Paul Hyde, Shelley Layne Blackwood, Ron Blackwood, Bill Shaw, Donna Blackwood and R.W. Blackwood, Jr.