Blackie & the Rodeo Kings originally formed when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson came together to record what was suppose to be a one-off tribute album to the great Canadian songwriter Willie P. Bennett. At the time, all three members were deeply committed to burgeoning solo careers that they had no intentions of putting on hold, and had no plans to turn Blackie into an ongoing concern. Now into their second decade, Blackie has organically evolved into one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America. Blackie’s latest release is an impressive collaboration by the name of Kings & Queens which pairs Blackie with some of the band’s favourite female singers and friends including Roseanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Serena Ryder, Lucinda Williams and Cassandra Wilson.