Greatest Hits

Blackhawk includes: Van Stephenson (acoustic guitar); Henry Paul (mandolin); Dave Robbins (piano, keyboards).
Additional personnel includes: Carl Marsh (conductor); Dale Oliver (acoustic & electric guitars); Biff Watson, Larry Beard (acoustic guitar); Dann Huff, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Mary Ann Kennedy (mandolin); Randy Howard, Joe Spivey, Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); Nashville String Machine (strings); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Mike Chapman, Glenn Worf, Randy Threet (bass); Wayne Killius (drums, percussion); Kip Raines, Lonnie Wilson (drums); Kenny Malone (percussion).
Producers: Mark Bright, Tim DuBois, Bobby Huff, Dave Robbins, Henry Paul.
Engineers: Michael D. Clute, Marty Williams.
Photographers: David Johnson ; Mark Tucker .
This is the sort of country music that could only be made by musicians who grew up listening to the Eagles instead of Hank Williams. Which is to say slick, tuneful, and gorgeously sung. These guys aren't, like some contemporary Nashville acts, afraid of mandolins and steel guitars.
This album collects most of their best known efforts, including the classic breakup song "I Can Sure Smell the Rain." Three new songs recorded specifically for the album are featured, in particular "Ships of Heaven," a big inspirational finale complete with gospel backup vocals that was inspired by composer/band member Van Stephenson's recent bout with melanoma.