| Go back to previous topic | | Forum name | The Lesson | | Topic subject | John Blackwell - RIP | | Topic URL | http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=2992874 |
2992874, John Blackwell - RIP
Posted by Pete Burns, Wed Jul-05-17 10:11 AM
http://www.okayplayer.com/music/prince-drummer-john-blackwell-jr.html
Prince’s longtime drummer John Blackwell Jr. has died at the age of 43. Blackwell Jr.’s wife, Yaritza Blackwell, confirmed the news on the drummer’s Instagram page.
LISTEN: Hear Prince’s Unreleased “Father’s Song” off Upcoming Deluxe ‘Purple Rain’ Reissue
Blackwell Jr. had spent the last year fighting brain cancer. Yaritza has been updating fans with updates on his condition. Recently, Blackwell lost use of his right arm after doctors removed a piece of his brain after taking out a tumor.
READ: J’Aime Prince: 13 Times The Purple One References Paris In Song
On the last post, Yaritza posted a picture holding his hand, with the caption:
“My husband incredible drummer John Blackwell Jr. passed the way peacefully in my company today. Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support. Yaritza”
For 15 years, Blackwell Jr. was Prince’s drummer; he joined the New Power Generation in 2000, when he was only a couple of years out of Berklee College of Music.
While he was best known for touring with Prince, he also played with a Justin Timberlake, D’angelo, Bootsy Collins, and more.
After his death was announced, musicians under Prince’s umbrella came out to show respect. Morris Day posted something for him on Facebook:
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2992889, RIP
Posted by go mack, Wed Jul-05-17 12:45 PM
saw him during Musicology tour, absolutely killed Shhh and other joints. Great drummer for sure.
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2992894, r.i.p.
Posted by kinetic94761180, Wed Jul-05-17 01:44 PM
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2992909, Man. Damn, man.
Posted by SoWhat, Wed Jul-05-17 05:24 PM
RIP. I had a soft spot for his work with Prince. Most of the times I saw Prince live John was the drummer. Those shows are the best I've ever seen. Damn.
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2992912, What a great talent....
Posted by murph71, Wed Jul-05-17 07:22 PM
And an even greater soul.....Rest In Power....
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2992977, Rest In Power John Blackwell Jr.
Posted by Dj Joey Joe, Thu Jul-06-17 09:20 PM
I was shocked to hear about him passing, cause I didn't know he was sick or had cancer either.
What's really shocking that I've known John since our HS days at Keenan, I think the last time I've really talked to him for a while was right after N.E.W.S. came out, other than that I've seen him briefly around town and whatnot.
It's a shame, he was another one of those kats who you think will always been around, always see on this album and that album but never in a million years think he would be gone so early in his life, very talented brother, loved music more than most kats I knew, but always was humble and smiling all the time, even in difficult situations.
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