Pigeon Forge, Tenn., April 12, 2007 – The Blackwood Singers of the “Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show” at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge were the featured performers at a ceremony for the grand opening of the Hall of Fame Café at the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, April 10. The black-tie event highlighted the accomplishments of five residents of the nursing home dubbed “Hometown Heroes.”

“There’s just nothing quite like performing for seniors and watching their eyes light up and smiles fill their faces as the show begins. . . . We salute these Hometown Heroes,” said R. W. Blackwood, Jr.

John Bowers, administrator of the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center said, “We have a Football Hall of Fame, a Baseball Hall of Fame, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame, but the greatest contributions in society have not been made by athletes or actors, but rather they have been made by the real heroes of our society today – our senior population. America is the most blessed country in the world, but America did not get that way without sacrifices. We wanted to honor the gentlemen who went to war, the wives who stayed home, the teachers who taught all of us, and all of the senior adults who have made a difference.”

The Hall of Fame Café at the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center plans to honor approximately five or six of its residents each year. “Our Hall of Fame honors what these individuals have done and how they have served our society,” Bowers said. “We want to recognize them and say thank you.”

Honorees for the evening included: Bernice “Betty” Bonneville, who was chosen because she was a licensed nursing home administrator and was the first activities and social services director for the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center in 1987 and she made tents for the military; John Benjamin “J.B.” Brewer who was chosen for his military service in the Navy during World War II and Korea; Mamie Mayes who was chosen because she was a licensed practical nurse for 18 years at Lakeshore Mental Hospital and a beautician; Jerry McClelland who was chosen because he worked in the ministry and performed with a gospel group; and Violet Wood, who was chosen because she was a licensed practical nurse, a missionary on the foreign mission field, did a lot of volunteer work, and was a devoted wife and mother.

R. W. Blackwood, Jr., was especially pleased to be singing for honoree Jerry McClelland, who was a gospel-recording artist at the Sun Record Company in the 50’s when the Blackwoods also recorded there. McClelland traveled with some of the original Blackwood Brothers including R. W. Blackwood Jr.’s father. Other known names who were recording at Sun Records at that time include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich and Carl Perkins.

The unmistakable sound of the award-winning Blackwoods has been around longer than some of the heroes they serenaded. “Our heritage is who we are, and we are always very driven to uphold all our Daddy (an original Blackwood Brother) lived and died for,” said R. W. Blackwood, Jr. The Blackwoods remain a popular gospel group whose harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements span many generations. Members of the Blackwoods who were present for the evening included: R.W. Blackwood, Jr., lead; Donna Blackwood, soprano; Paul Hyde, bass; and John Rulapaugh; tenor. They sang many favorites including “Peace in the Valley,” “Feeling Fine,” and “Oh, Say Can You See.”

To know a little history of the group – In 1934, Roy Blackwood, his brothers James and Doyle, and his son R.W. Blackwood, Sr. founded the quartet that would shape the sound of American Gospel music forever. Today, Ron and R.W., Jr. work together with an outstanding team of singers and musicians to bring both the Blackwood Quartet and the Blackwood Singers together in unforgettable concert events such as this one held at the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center. Group members have changed, but the excitement, the sound, and the legacy continues.

Through the years, Ron and R. W. Blackwood and members of the Blackwood family have won eight Grammy awards, 27 Dove Awards, and five All-American Music Awards. They have sold millions of recordings, and they have been seen on every major television and radio network. The late Elvis Presley often told his friends and audiences that he admired the harmony of the Blackwoods above all other singing groups.

Other performers for the evening included: Kay Irwin, who played a bag pipe melody; Michael Newsom, a local seventh grader and the first place winner of the vocal category in the Pigeon Forge Middle School Talent Show who sang, “Who Am I?”; and Dr. Laura Stockdale, staff psychologist of the Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center who sang, “One Little Candle.”

The Blackwoods have entertained in the Smoky Mountains for 10 successful seasons, holding the title of the most popular morning show in the entire region. The Blackwoods can be seen daily except Monday at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Breakfast is served at the theater from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., a video with a history of the Blackwoods begins at 9:00 a.m. and the Blackwoods take the stage at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $19.95 plus tax and children ages 2-11 are $9.95 plus tax. Children 23 months and under are free. For reservations, call (865) 908-SHOW (7469). For more information, visit www.BlackBearJamboree.com.

Gospel music connoisseurs agree that JOHN RULAPAUGH, age 27, of La Plata, Maryland is the greatest young tenor performing today. His powerful voice rivals the sounds of legendary singers of the past, perfectly complementing The Blackwoods’ emphasis on honoring the original Blackwood Brothers in every performance. That is precisely why Ron Blackwood, General Manager of the group, hired Rulapaugh. “Our heritage is who we are, and we are very driven to uphold all our Daddy (an original Blackwood Brother) lived and died for. There is no way around it. John brings it all to the table, he is a Christian husband, father, and businessman with integrity, and his singing is as good as it gets!”

John Rulapaugh will be leaving behind life on the road with a traditional male quartet to perform in the daily variety show The Blackwoods present in the Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. He has worked most recently with the Palmetto State Quartet, but also was featured as the tenor for the very popular Dove Brothers and the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet. Rulapaugh says that though no change is easy, this one is well worth it: “ Life on the road is no way to raise a family. I am blessed with a gorgeous wife, Jennifer, and a beautiful baby girl, Jaydon, and they need me. You can’t get back lost time.” As for the change to performing daily in a popular variety show rather than the traditional quartet venues, “There is not better way to further my career and diversify my resume’ than to perform in the most well-known and widely acclaimed, legendary group in the Gospel music world today: The Blackwoods.”

Rulapaugh will be replacing Royce Taylor, a veteran, exceptionally talented vocalist himself. Taylor recently resigned from the group to pursue his dream and calling as both a preacher and a soloist.

The Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show features BOTH the Blackwood Quartet with Ron Blackwood, Baritone/MC; R.W. Blackwood, Jr., Lead; Paul Hyde, Bass; and John Rulapaugh, Tenor…AND the Blackwood Singers, featuring Donna Blackwood, Soprano; and Shelley Layne Blackwood, Alto (along with R.W. Blackwood, Jr., and Paul Hyde) singing 100% traditional Gospel, and Christian themed music. Accompanying The Blackwoods is America’s Premier Ventriloquist and Comedy Team: Bob and Marty Hamill. They keep the laughs rolling while the Blackwoods keep your hands clapping, and your heart warming! The huge, Smoky Mountain Breakfast served every day along with the show, starting at 8:30 am, simply rounds out an already perfect morning! Call 865-908-SHOW (7469) for reservations or show information.

PHOTO ATTACHED: Left to Right: Donna Blackwood, R.W. Blackwood, Jr., John Rulapaugh, Ron, Blackwood, Shelley Layne Blackwood, and Paul Hyde.

For Elizabeth and Bailey Branch of Lynchburg, Virginia, life has taken a harsh toll. Elizabeth, who faces her own gamut of health issues, recently lost her husband to a fatal heart attack. This mother and son duo has the “Go To” spirit that attracted the attention of ABC television affiliate WSET – 13 of Lynchburg. Friends and family members had appealed to the station to extend their charitable spin off of the national “Extreme Home Makeover” program to the Branch’s home outside of Lynchburg. The station saw the need, and an overhaul was scheduled for the Branch home. But first, the two were sent on a much-deserved vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains.

Perhaps one reason Sevier County, Tennessee was selected for the ultimate vacation spot was the local connection tying this community to Lynchburg. Ron Blackwood, Jr., son of Blackwood Brother Ron Blackwood, owns and operates the remodeling company selected to work on the Branch’s home! The younger Blackwood, owner of Lynchburg-based Blackwood Painting, and co-owner of North Star Property, LLC, learned from his famous dad the value of helping others, and giving back to the community.

After enjoying a huge breakfast and entertainment at the Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show, the VIP guests, (pictured with the show cast: Ron, Shelley, Donna and R.W. Blackwood, Royce Taylor, Paul Hyde, Bob and Marty Hamill and WSET-13 cameraman Sam Eaton) Mrs. Branch and son, enjoyed a day of soaking in the entertainment and atmosphere Pigeon Forge offers. They were provided tickets to any of the Fee Hedrick Productions they wanted to see including: Black Bear Jamboree, The Comedy Barn Theater, THE MIRACLE, and Triumphant Quartet Southern Gospel Morning Show.

***PHOTO INCLUDED***

Photo taken at the Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show. Pictured: Elizabeth and Bailey Branch, Ron, Shelley, R.W., Donna Blackwood, Royce Taylor, Paul Hyde, Bob and Marty Hamill, and Sam Eaton of WSET ABC-13 of Lynchburg.

Pigeon Forge, TN – The BLACKWOOD BREAKFAST VARIETY SHOW is kicking off a new season with a brand new show. The Black Bear Jamboree Theater is still home to the award winning musical family who, for their 8th year in Sevier County plan to hold forth as the #1 Morning Show in the Smokies!

For the 2006 season, The Blackwoods are welcoming the nation’s premier comedy and ventriloquist team of Bob and Marty Hamill to spice up the breakfast entertainment experience with hilarious comedy and brilliant puppetry.

“Every year we try to change the show and add something new for the audience to enjoy.” Explains Ron Blackwood, senior member of the group. “Bob and Marty are so talented and entertaining. They add a little something for kids of all ages…2 to 102+!”

The BLACKWOOD BREAKFAST VARIETY SHOW features the classic sounds of the all-male BLACKWOOD QUARTET TM, singing songs made famous by the original Blackwood Brothers. The Blackwood Quartet consists of Ron and R.W. Blackwood, Jr. of Memphis, TN who sing Baritone and Lead respectively. (Ron and R.W. are the sons of RW Blackwood, Sr., founding member of the original Blackwood Brothers), Paul Hyde of Morristown, TN sings Bass, and Royce Taylor of Nashville, on Tenor. The BLACKWOOD SINGERS TM take the stage with two Texas women, Donna Blackwood of Houston singing soaring Soprano, and Shelley Layne Blackwood of Waco rounding out the harmony with a mellow, Alto voice. The BLACKWOOD SINGERSTM perform inspirational and exciting music in addition to the many cross-over hits the group has contributed to American music throughout the years like “Put Your Hand in The Hand of the Man From Galilee,” and “Everything is Beautiful.”

Each morning show begins with a huge, hot breakfast served by a warm and friendly staff. A special video production, hosted by country legend Charlie Daniels, follows giving a documentary-style presentation of many celebrities sharing stories of how the original Blackwood Brothers touched their lives. Videos are used throughout to enhance each performance. Puppets, dancing and singing “bears,” elaborate costumes, lighting, sets, and a huge PATRIOTIC finale’ make it easy to see why the Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show is the area’s most successful morning show.

Breakfast is served SIX days a week (Tuesday through Sunday) from 8:15 to 9:00am. The video presentation begins at 9:00 and the LIVE performance begins at 9:30am.

THE BLACKWOOD BREAKFAST VARIETY SHOW is a production of the Fee Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, owners of Comedy Barn Theater, Black Bear Jamboree Theater, and THE MIRACLE THEATER of Pigeon Forge. Free tickets to The Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show are available with the purchase of admission to The Miracle and Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show. Buy 2 get 1 FREE! The Best Deal in Town! Call 865-908-SHOW for reservations and information. (908-7469)

PIGEON FORGE, TN- Country Legend Ronnie Milsap performed one hit after another for a sold out crowd at Country Tonight Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Friday night, August 26, 2005. The Blackwood Singers joined Milsap on stage as special guests during the Gospel segment of his performance.

The enthusiastic crowd went wild as Milsap crooned the first notes of Red Foley’s “Peace in the Valley,” backed by the perfect harmony of The Blackwoods. The two legendary names roused the crowd with the energetic spiritual “Let Me Live in the Light of His Love.”

In a surprise announcement, Ronnie Milsap left his piano and presented his dear friends with a plaque that he had personally ordered. Inscribed on the beautiful piece are the words: “In appreciation of THE BLACKWOOD SINGERS for your support and friendship. I LOVE YOU! Ronnie Milsap, August 26, 2005.” As he spoke, he addressed Ron Blackwood, co-owner and manager of the group, saying “Ron, we’re gonna do that Gospel album together.” The capacity crowd showed excitement and support for the idea with thunderous applause.

The relationship between the Blackwoods and Ronnie Milsap goes back many years. In the 1970’s their tour buses crossed paths at numerous venues across the United States. The Blackwood Singers were well known not only in the Gospel circuit, but were among the first cross-over stars of country music as well, playing every State Fair in the nation. A mega-star in country music, Milsap cherished the harmony and relationship he shared with his musical friends.

It was Milsap who initiated the process to reunite on stage last Friday. The Blackwoods perform full time in the Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge. However, every time Milsap visits Pigeon Forge, he calls Ron Blackwood to invite the group to join him for at least one segment of his show. So, joined on stage by Ron, R.W., Donna, and Shelley Blackwood, Terry Kent, and Paul Hyde, the country singer goes Gospel for a couple of songs…and a future album with his friends.

The Blackwood Brother Breakfast Show, The Comedy Barn Theater, Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show, and the soon coming Miracle Theater are all presentations of the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group which is dedicated to family, faith, and fun. Call 865-908-SHOW (7469) for reservations or show information.
Photo L to R: Terry Kent, Donna Blackwood, R.W. Blackwood, Ronnie Milsap, Ron Blackwood, Shelley Blackwood, Paul Hyde