Page 1
Index


Take a spin with Golden Graham's choice album reviews

Album Cover Blackhawk

Platinum & Gold Collection 

RCA Nashville/BMG Heritage 82876 57228 2

 

 
 

The question of today's soft rock and pop driven style of country music is a loaded one that actually goes back several decades. In the 60's 70's the vice-president of RCA Nashville production was Chet Atkins and the innovator of the pop orientated Nashville Sound. He was once asked to define the Nashville Sound. He jingled a handful of change in his pocket and said "that is the Nashville Sound!"

The beginning of the 90's saw a change in country music as young bands gained popularity. Blackhawk was one of those bands, kick starting the rock edge of today's country music sounds. A trio fronted by Henry Paul (former member of the rock group The Outlaws) and rounded out by the songwriting team of Dave Robbins (keyboards) and Van Stephenson (guitar). Robbins and Stephenson had made their mark writing for the likes of Kenny Rogers, Restless Heart and Crystal Gayle. Blackhawk introduced themselves to country audiences with an impressing start as "Goodbye Says It All" made #11 on the charts in November 1993.

February 1994 saw Arista release the bands self titled album containing their first Top Five single "Every Once In A While" written by all three members achieving #2 on the charts. The following year "I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No" hit #2 in July followed by "Like There Ain't No Yesterday" from the Strong Enough album ran up the charts to make #3 in November the same year. "King Of The World" from the same album only rose as high as #49 in October 1996 and in 1997 "Hole In My Heart" and "Postmarked Birmingham" from their album Love & Gravity did slightly better making #31 and #37 respectively. Also to be found on this CD is "Stepping Stones" from Love & Gravity.

In all you can find 12 tracks on Platinum & Gold Collection Blackhawk. After a slow period on the charts Blackhawk bounced back in August 1998 with "There You Have It", from their Sky's The Limit album making #4 on the charts. A fine collection, when guys like this perform…you listen and revel in the excitement!!! Take a listen to Platinum & Gold Collection Blackhawk, you won't be disappointed!!! 

Just to finish on a sad note. In 1999 Stephenson was diagnosed with s deadly skin cancer melanoma. He finally lost his battle with the disease in 2001. In 2000 Blackhawk's bassist Randy Threet took Stephenson's place singing high vocals. Robbins and Paul were moved to spearhead the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Fund in his memory.