Now, I say that in a nice way. He believed in promotion. I cannot tell how many times he told me "They won't buy it unless they know you have it." Well, believe me, he never missed a chance to tell everyone about what was on his table.

And he was at the bank every Monday morning, too.

James was just one of the very memorable characters I had the opportunity to be around during my first decade at Singing News. He ALWAYS greeted me with a smile and an invitation to sit down and talk awhile.

He'd also try to interest me in his latest release - at a $5.00 discount!

But more than selling, James loved to sing. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever known anyone who loved to sing as much as he did (Glen Payne might be the only one who could give him a run on that). He told me many times that he hoped that when the Lord called him home, he'd be found singing.

He'd also laughingly tell me he hoped one of his family remembered to have his product table open at his funeral.

Anyway, during his latter years, James knew his singing wasn't quite what it used to be. But he didn't let that stop him. He WANTED to sing to the audiences - not for him, but for the Lord.

It's safe to say that James sang most of his life. In fact, no one who has ever known him can remember him doing anything other than singing. And for that very reason, James considered himself to be one of the most blessed men in the world: He got to spend his entire life doing exactly what he wanted to do.

Many times, people has asked me who is - or was - the most recognizable name in Gospel Music. While many good strong arguments can be made for several people, I truly think that when it's all sorted out, the name James Blackwood is at the top of the list. If for some reason he's not at the top, he's got to be close.

Even though James has been not been with us since February 3, 2002, he's still singing through the recordings that still exist. I have no doubt that James would be very pleased to know that people are still buying his tapes and CDs.

He'd also want you to take home a video.

I've just got to say this before I close: Don't be surprised if the first thing you see when you go through the Pearly Gates is the James Blackwood Record Shop.

James would love that!