Henry Paul III, BlackHawk's lead singer, was born in Kingston, NY, and raised in Florida. Henry, who lists Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard as his country influences, and Bob Dylan and Jerry Lee Lewis as other musical influences, gave his first musical performance in a coffee house in 1966.

In the 1970s, Henry was a founding member of the Southern rock band the Outlaws. The Outlaws peaked with two gold albums and the hit single "There Goes Another Love Song." After the successful "Hurry Sundown" album, Henry left the Outlaws and pursued a solo career. Between 1979-1982, he cut four albums on Atlantic records.

In 1979, he cut his first album by the Henry Paul Band, "Grey Ghost." The album included some memorable songs like "So Long", "Lonely Dreamer", "Woodwind" and the title track. This album had a country edge and Southern rock sound that is absent from some of his later work. The song 'Grey Ghost' was dedicated to Lynryd Skynrd's Ronnie Van Zandt, who died in a plane crash. This song recieved heavy airplay, and it became a sort of rallying cry for Skynryd/southern rock fans. Definitely some of Henry's best work.

His next album with the Henry Paul Band was "Feel the Heat" was released in 1980. This album had a little rougher edge to it, which is what Henry wanted. The album had some very good tracks, including "Running Away With Your Heart", "Whiskey Talking", "Turn it Up", and the title track. The biggest hit on the album was 'Long Shot', which, sodd enough, featured someone other than Henry on lead vocals. It became a little more evident with this album that Henry was searching for an identity, as some of his songs took on a more pop sound.

His next solo effort was "Anytime", released in 1981. With songs like "Living Without Your Love" and the title track, it seemed like Henry had finally found the perfect sound, beautifully blending heartfelt lyrics with a distinctive pop-Southern-rock sound. This album contains some classic Henry songs such as "Crazy Eyes." It seemed as if Henry had finally found the perfect sound, beautifully blending heartfelt lyrics with a distinctive pop-Southern-rock sound. This, unfortunately, was the last Henry Paul Band album t see any real airplay on FM radio.

Henry got rid of his trademark long hair and beard for his next, and last,album, as he further tried to establish a new identity in pop-rock music. His fourth album, "Henry Paul Band" was released in 1982. On this album, Henry was really reaching for pop-rock success, but was unable to make the marriage work. Although the album does contain some classic Henry , some of the other songs are extremely forgettable, and almost embarrassing.

Later in the eighties, he reunited with Huey Tompson for an Outlaws reunion. They recorded "Soldiers od Fortune" in 1986. Henry wrote and sang a few songs, among them the rocker "Lady Luck." In the tour supporting the album, the band was unable to fill large arenas, and had to sing in local standing room bars.

Not to much was heard from Henry until a few years ago when BlackHawk broke onto the country music scene. Henry had come to Nashville to get back in touch with his country roots. Tim Dubois of Arista Records introduced him to Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson, and the rest is country history.

"Grey Ghost": 1979 Atlantic #19232

"Feel the Heat": 1980 Atlantic #19273

"Anytime": 1981 Atlantic #19325

"Henry Paul Band": 1982 Atlantic #80032-1

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