Blackfire (American band) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blackfire
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Blackfire performing live
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Flagstaff, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Members | Jeneda Benally Clayson Benally |
| Past members | Klee Benally |
Blackfire is a Native American punk rock band. It is made up of three siblings: Jeneda, Klee, and Clayson Benally. Their music mixes traditional Navajo Diné sounds with alternative rock. They often sing about important topics like fairness and human rights. In 2012, some members also started another band called Sihasin.
Contents
History of Blackfire
How the Band Started (1989–1993)
Blackfire began in 1989 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The band members are sister Jeneda and brothers Klee and Clayson Benally. Their mom was a folk singer. Their dad, Jones Benally, is a traditional Navajo medicine man. The siblings have been playing music since they were very young. Their dad and the kids also perform together as the "Jones Benally Family."
Early Music Releases (1994–2001)
In 1994, the band released their first five-song album. It was called an EP. This album was produced by C. J. Ramone from the famous band Ramones. Their dad, Jones, and artist Robert Tree Cody also helped with the music. In 1999, Blackfire was nominated for a NAMA award. This was for Best Independent Release.
One Nation Under and Woody Guthrie Singles (2002–2003)
In 2002, Blackfire released their first full-length album, called One Nation Under. Their father, Jones, sang traditional vocals on the album. The album has 15 powerful songs about challenges, standing up for what's right, and hope. One of their songs, "No Control," was even used in a cartoon show called "What's New, Scooby-Doo?".
The late Joey Ramone also helped with this album. He called Blackfire's music "fireball punk-rock." He sang on two songs, "What Do You See" and "Lying to Myself." In the same year, Blackfire won the NAMA Best Pop/Rock Album award. One Nation Under is available through Canyon Records.
In 2003, the band traveled to Mali in northern Africa. They performed at a festival there. Their performance was included on an album called Festival in the Desert. The next year, they released a two-song EP called Woody Guthrie Singles. These songs were "Mean Things Happenin' in this World" and "Indian Corn Song." They sang about issues like wars and unfair rules. They also sang about helping people who are hungry or homeless.
Passing of Klee Benally
Klee Benally, who was the singer and guitar player, passed away on December 30, 2023. He was 48 years old.
Band Members
- Clayson Benally – plays drums and sings (since 1989)
- Jeneda Benally – plays bass guitar and sings (since 1989)
- Klee Benally – sang and played guitar (1989–2023; until his passing)
Discography
- Blackfire (Five-song E.P., 1994)
- Blackfire (Three-song E.P., 1998)
- One Nation Under (2001)
- Woody Guthrie Singles (2003)
- Beyond Warped: Live Music Series (CD/DVD, 2005)
- [Silence] Is A Weapon (2007)
- Anthology Of Resistance (2009)
