The incredible songs, the amazing stories, the history of a legend will all come to the stage in “Elvis Gospel and Beyond 2022,” starring the Blackwood Quartet, Mark Blackwood, K. C. Shepperd, and Elvis Tribute Artist Kraig Parker in Downtown Garland, Texas, at the Plaza Theatre.
The year was 1934. Brothers Roy, Doyle, and James Blackwood, along with Roy’s son R.W., form the most beloved and respected gospel group of all time, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet. This quartet went on to feature on several TV shows, including “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters,” the beloved American classic “Hee Haw,” and the prestigious “Arthur Godfrey Talent Show” in 1954.
A few weeks later that same year, tragedy struck when two group members, R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles, were killed in a plane crash. After the accident, many fans and critics alike believed that the quartet would not go forth. However, as fate would have it, R.W.’s the youngest brother, Cecil Blackwood, joined the group along with the bass singer, J.D. Sumner, silencing any doubts the public had about the quartet continuing to be a force in gospel music.
Cecil Blackwood was a childhood friend of Elvis Presley. The association between the two families was lifelong. They attended Sunday school together and formed their first gospel quartet called “The Songfellas” long before Elvis became the King of Rock n Roll.
In 1958, Elvis sent a plane to North Carolina and brought the Blackwoods to sing at his mother’s funeral. James Blackwood would sing “How Great Thou Art” at Elvis’ Funeral.
Cecil Blackwood’s son, Mark, joined his family in the Blackwood Brothers Quartet in 1986. He sang lead for many years alongside his dad, Cecil, and many other talented singers.
Today, Mark Blackwood fronts The Blackwood Quartet and continues his family’s tradition and association with Elvis Presley. “In The Gospel Side of Elvis,” the group performs Presley’s personal favorites, including “Amazing Grace,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Crying In The Chapel.”
The Blackwood family has received nine Grammy Awards and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and many more!
Kraig Parker, an award-winning, world-class Elvis Tribute Artist from Dallas, Texas, has astonished audiences for over 20 years. Kraig has performed across America and Europe at casinos, performance halls, cruise ships, and major symphony orchestras, including headline shows in Las Vegas. Kraig Parker’s powerful voice, electric moves, and tasteful charisma will leave you ‘all shook up and screaming for more!
Mix Kraig Parker’s powerful voice with the harmonies of the Blackwood Quartet; you have nothing but pure magic! A Magical production you and the whole family will not want to miss!
Tickets start at $25 online: