The Blackwood Brothers are a legendary American southern gospel quartet, originating from Choctaw County, Mississippi, in 1934. The group was founded by brothers Roy, Doyle, and James Blackwood, along with Roy's son, R.W. Blackwood. They gained early popularity through local radio performances and expanded their reach by touring the Southeast. By 1952, they signed with RCA Victor, becoming one of the first gospel quartets to secure a major record label contract. Their national breakthrough came in 1954 when they won Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts with "Have You Talked To The Man Upstairs?" Tragically, R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles died in a plane crash later that year.

Despite this setback, the group continued to thrive, with Cecil Blackwood and J.D. Sumner joining the lineup. They founded the National Quartet Convention in 1956 and introduced the first customized tour bus. The Blackwood Brothers were close to Elvis Presley, who invited them to sing at his mother's funeral. Over the decades, the group has seen various lineups but maintained their status as pioneers in gospel music, winning 8 Grammy Awards and 7 Dove Awards. They are inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. The legacy continues under the leadership of Billy Blackwood, upholding the tradition of gospel music excellence.