“Goodbye Says It All” was in reality, the hello that said it all and introduced country trio Blackhawk to the world. The Year was 1993 and the group, composed of Henry Paul, Dave Robbins, and Van Stephenson, sold 7-million albums during the ’90s with their unforgettable three part harmonies and memorable live show. Hits like “I Sure Can Smell the Rain”, “That’s Just About Right”, and “Every Once in a While” led to their 1994 self titled debut album reaching 2x multi platinum status, as certified by the RIAA. But the 2000’s proved to be not so kind as the group lost Stephenson in 2001 to skin cancer. Almost two decades later, Paul and Robbins are able to carry on the legacy of their band mate and friend thru the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
And that means a show right here in Nashville, Tennessee. The Second Annual Freeborn Jam benefit will take place on Saturday, October 14 at City Winery to raise money for two organizations: The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (through the Van Stephenson Fund) and MusiCares, which helps cover medical costs for uninsured musicians. Blackhawk will be taking fans back to the ’90s, while Paul’s other famous Southern Rock band, The Outlaws, will go back as far as the ’70s, when they had hits like “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Green Grass and High Tides.” Last year, with the generous help of a corporate donor, the night raised around $40,000.
We caught up with Henry Paul to discuss the importance of Saturday night and future plans for Blackhawk and The Outlaws.
“We really wanted to start a nonprofit to honor Van when we lost him to cancer. We started out with TJ Martell for a while, but they were so big we decided we wanted to make it a little more personal. We wanted to write the check directly to a research center so that they can really go out on a limb without the money getting tied up.“ Paul added, “It’s something we can do. Something I want to do. It’s important to not just give back, but to commit to something other than a career agenda. Years ago, it was important to get ahead. But now, it’s a different day and a different motivation that keeps us busy.”
Keeping busy is something Paul does not complain about. This may only be their second show at City Winery, but they have a similar program at a venue in Minneapolis where both Blackhawk and The Outlaws spend a weekend playing and raising money with a silent auction. And even when they are not playing a benefit, they are still signing guitars and merch and donating it to auctions all around the country.
And when asked about current schedules and upcoming projects, Paul said that between both bands, they do about 100 dates a year.
“We’re doing really, really well on the road. The band (Blackhawk) has always had such a unique sound and personality. You know, ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Smell the Rain’ and ‘Strong Enough’ were just really, really great songs. And we’re lucky to have that collection of first class songs to continue to tour behind. And now, we will have new music to give to the people that have always loved the traditional Blackhawk.”
New music?!?!? Just in time for Christmas?!
*Spoiler Alert*
The answer is yes! Get ready Blackhawk and ’90s country fans! The group is releasing a brand new Christmas record, hopefully later this month featuring traditional Christmas hymns with those special three-part harmonies that contributed to Blackhawk’s initial success and has continued to set them apart in the country world.
“I think it’s one of the best. . . if not the best. . . musical presentation Blackhawk has ever done. We’re very proud of that record.”
And after Christmas, the band plans to release The Best of Blackhawk, an acoustic recording that they are currently working on in Atlanta. The Outlaws, whose last recording, Legacy Live, was released as a 2-CD set in 2016, also has some new music in the works.
But until then, you can catch both acts at City Winery on Lafayette Street on October 14 with the silent auction at 6:00pm, followed by the show at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25 for balcony seating and upwards to $40 for premiere seating.
Paul is most looking forward to time with the fans as they have a unique access to both groups and that it’s cool to “cultivate that communal spirit”.
“We are so fortunate to have fans and we really care about them. So we’ll sign some merch and give them hugs. They have access to everybody and it’s all about the fun we have together. It’s a rewarding day for all of us.”
To find out more about Saturday’s show, visit citywinery.com. And to find out how you can donate to the Van Stephenson fund, check out www.henrypaul.com/charity. And for more info on MusiCares, visit www.grammy.com/musicares.