Blackfire (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States |
| Founder | Jeneda Benally, Klee Benally, Clayson Benally |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Flagstaff , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music incorporating traditional Diné musical elements |
Blackfire was a Native American punk rock band initiated by siblings Jeneda, Klee, and Clayson Benally in 1989, originating from Flagstaff, Arizona. Their sound integrates traditional Diné musical elements with alternative rock and anarcho-punk styles, conveying politically motivated themes centered on governmental injustice and human rights advocacy. In 2012, the members formed a new group called Sihasin.
Formation and Early Years (1989–1993)
The Benally siblings established Blackfire, drawing on their heritage as children of Jones Benally, a respected traditional Navajo medicine man, and their mother, who was a folk singer-songwriter of Russian-Polish Jewish ancestry. The family boasts a rich musical background, performing collectively as the Jones Benally Family. From an early age, the siblings cultivated their distinctive blend of indigenous music combined with punk rock influences.
EP Releases and Recognition (1994–1999)
In 1994, their initial release was a five-track EP produced by C.J. Ramone, launched under their own label Tacoho Productions. This debut featured performances by their father Jones and Robert Tree Cody. By 1999, Blackfire had received a nomination for Best Independent Release at the Native American Music Awards (NAMA).
One Nation Under and Woody Guthrie Singles Era (2001–2003)
Their first full-length album, One Nation Under, arrived in late 2001 and included traditional vocal contributions from their father. The album contains fifteen tracks that explore themes of struggle, defiance, and optimism. The song "No Control" gained exposure through its inclusion in the television series What's New, Scooby-Doo?. This record was also the final project featuring Joey Ramone, who lauded Blackfire’s sound as "fireball punk-rock" and added backing vocals to "What Do You See" and "Lying to Myself." That same year, the band secured the NAMA award for Best Pop/Rock Album, while producer Fleming earned a nomination for Best Producer. One Nation Under was released via Canyon Records.
In 2003, Blackfire performed at the Essakne festival in Mali; their performance was subsequently featured on the compilation album Festival in the Desert. The next year saw the release of a two-track EP entitled Woody Guthrie Singles, which contained protest songs addressing issues such as war, governmental overreach, political and corporate corruption, economic struggles, and social justice appeals.
Passing of Klee Benally
On December 30, 2023, vocalist and guitarist Klee Benally died at the age of 48.
Band members
- Clayson Benally – percussion and vocals (1989–2011)
- Jeneda Benally – bass guitar and vocals (1989–2011)
- Klee Benally – vocals and guitar (1989–2011; deceased 2023)
Discography
- Blackfire (Five-song EP, 1994)
- Blackfire (Three-song EP, 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)