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John Blackwell Jr.
1973 - 2017
John Blackwell Jr.
1973 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1973
DIED
2017
John Blackwell Obituary
“My husband incredible drummer John Blackwell Jr. passed the way peacefully in my company today,” she wrote in her Instagram post. She thanked God for her husband’s life and thanked his friends and fans for their support.
Yaritza Blackwell noted on social media that her husband had been diagnosed with two brain tumors about a year ago. It happened while he was in Japan, playing with bassist Nik West at the Blue Note in Tokyo. He underwent treatment there, and later in Florida.
“This whole year has been very challenging not only for John, but for me also,” she wrote. “I pray God for John everyday, every hour... and thank you for your prayers, donations and for the good thoughts for John.”
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John Blackwell, who was born Sept. 9, 1973, in Columbia, South Carolina, started playing the drums as a 3-year-old; his father also was a drummer. John Jr. began playing in jazz clubs as a teenager.
During his career, he performed with Patti LaBelle for three years. Then Prince hired him in 2000 as a member of the superstar’s band the New Power Generation.
He played with Prince for 12 years, appearing on the icon’s 2003 “Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas” DVD as well as 2003’s “N.E.W.S.” album, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for best pop instrumental album.
In 2006, Blackwell toured with Justin Timberlake on the singer’s “Future Sex/LoveSounds” album.
More recently, Blackwell played in singer D’Angelo’s backing band, the Vanguard, on tour in Europe in 2015.
Blackwell also helped educate future drummers by recording two DVDs sharing the art and techniques of a professional percussionist.
144 Entries
Criss Starr
July 31, 2021
My deepest condolences to John´s family-I will always remember the time we jammed 2gether on stage when John sat in with my band playing a Prince medley so FUNKY ("Can I give the drummer some?") we started at 3:30 am and didn´t stop playing all the hits until 5;30 am! Afterwards, I took John to a burger place and we laughed and shared stories, people we both knew, and catching up like long lost friends. (We just met a few hours ago!)
I will truly miss his spirit, his drive for perfection on playing drums, his work ethic, his aura. & his smile. Rest In Peace JB!
Lacy J
December 23, 2018
I was blessed to witness your talent. Rest in heavenly peace.
Kenneth Williams
August 28, 2018
Met you during the Canadian Mist Tour you with Cameo then seeing you again working with Patti LaBelle, you are incredible miss you send love and blessings to all you love....Kenny 0.P.
Karen Thomas Robinson
March 27, 2018
Continue to rest in peace. You and your talent are greatly missed, you shared so much with the world...thank you!
How you can show support
Reggie Powell
February 15, 2018
John was an outstanding Musician.
He will be missed.
January 12, 2018
I met John on a flight to Montreal when he and his wife were expecting, twins I think. He shared a lot about his life with me. He was a wonderful person.
Boris Wiedenfeld
January 10, 2018
Man, what sad news. I only read into you a few times after our years at Berklee, but I'm so proud of everything you so deservedly achieved. Just found out that you passed last summer and can't stop thinking about you today. Good times we had back then. It sounds like you lived life to the fullest after. Wish you had more time. I'll try to make mine as meaningful as I can for the many friends, like you, that didn't get the chance. RIP and peace out. Boris
Earl P. Johnson Jr.
September 6, 2017
Thank you for sharing your musical gift. You were an awesome and amazing drummer. Your work in this world may be done but your spirit lives on to inspire the hearts of others. Peace
PS
August 26, 2017
Yaritza, please know that we are praying for you.. The last year has been tough but I can only imagine what the next months and days will be like while trying to cope with the loss. Hanging in there. The same God who created the sun and moon and stars, no doubt can use his strength and power to comfort you.at this time.
August 24, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
July 28, 2017
I did not know John "Kenny" Blackwell personally but thru his music his personality and joy simply made spirits soar. This man had such tremendous gifts. He shared them generously and gloriously with so many of us who were so fortunate to hear him play. We are truly grateful. Thank you John for all you gave us thru your talent and music! May you rest in peace. May your loved ones take solace in knowing that John was admired and beloved across the entire world.
Gioconda D'Abruzzo
Rome, Italy
Cana Y.
July 28, 2017
I was fortunate enough to see John during three of the Musicology concerts back in 2004, he was amazing. May God grant peace beyond understanding to John's family and friends.
July 25, 2017
I just found out about John's death. He was a wonderful man. I feel fortunate having had the opportunity to know him. My condolences.
Sue (the Rehab dietitian at TGH)
Jessica Kekacs
July 23, 2017
So very sorry for your loss.
Just think how wonderful it will be to live in Paradise! The whole earth will become like a park. (Isaiah 35:5,6 and 65:21-24)
J H
July 22, 2017
Yaw Twum
July 21, 2017
Thank you JB. Am still learning from you. God Bless you. RIP.
M C
July 20, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man. I remember seeing him in concert with Prince some years ago. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
Ray ray Jesse
July 18, 2017
Rip my friend thank u for sharing your talent you will b truly missed we love you.the besttttt drummer ever i was just watching you play drums god knows best in your in heaven now with prince i know you are playing music for god we love you
Bryant Chandler
July 14, 2017
I remember you from when I was working in a local bar here in Columbia and your jazz band would play there. I also got to play my guitar on stage with you a couple of times when Cameo was on hiatus. You had become a thunder drummer from playing with them. I never got to see you anymore after that but I remember how terrific of a person that you were as well as a terrific musician and the big bear hugs you gave me. Thank you for those memories.
Carla Legree
July 13, 2017
In 2004 I was amazed by Mr. Blackwell' talents as he performed his solo during a Prince concert in Detroit. He had energy from the first note to the last and I've never forgotten it. So for the Blackwell family be encouraged by knowing that John touched the lives of millions in a very positive way doing the work that he was so passionate about. May he remain in God's memory and awaken when he hears the Kings voice.
Michell P.
July 11, 2017
My deepest sympathy and condolences to family and friends of John Blackwell Jr. He was truly a gifted musician. My prayers are with the family during a time such as this. He will be missed.
Derrick McDowell
July 11, 2017
My Brother,
Every since we met at, Zildjian. You have kept it real with me from day one. When you gave me your number and contact info, I couldn't believe it. A person so down to earth. You said to me, don't take my info if you're not going to use it. Boy, did I use it and yet still gave him his privacy. We became, as he put it, BROS. I was at every concert and clinic that was in town or near by and backstage. Even assisted him at Drummerfest at Casio Interstate Music. Most of all, meeting my Sister Yaritza Blackwell. Talking with her through the whole ordeal making sure she was ok. Love and will miss you Bro.
Derrick
Mary Holmes
July 10, 2017
I never met John or Prince but after Prince passed I started watching Prince musical VIEDOS and I was just amazed at how well John played the drums he could entertain you with just his drums when I heard he was ill I would check often to see how he was doing and hoped that he would recover so I could watch him play again but God had another job for him where there is no pain or suffering my heart goes out to his grieving family and friends STAY STRONG and you will forever be missed
christian
July 10, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of John. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
evelyn Jeffers
July 10, 2017
I did not know John, but learned of him through watching Prince. I was concerned for John w/ Prince died. Went to John's tweeter page 2 see how he was doing after Prince passed & I was so sad to hear he was sick with brain tumor! I pray strength for the wife & family & friends in Jesus' name. Amen!
July 10, 2017
My condolences to Yaritza and Family for the loss of your dear husband and friend, John Jr. He was indeed a young talented musician and his legacy will live on in his music, students and all who knew and loved him. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Angella Miller
July 10, 2017
I will miss hearing and watching you perform my brother, but the arms of our Father is much comforting than this sinful world. Love you and keep making a joyful noise with your instrument in Heaven. Love you brother.
July 9, 2017
A gentle powerhouse ! My deepest sympathies to Yaritza, thank you John for all the great music.
Dave Wenger Newton MA
Cindy Taylor
July 9, 2017
God bless a beautiful soul who shared the stage with another beautiful soul. May you rest in eternal peace creating heavenly music with your friend Prince. I guess he needed his drummer. Heaven must sound beautiful!!
Bobby Pine
July 9, 2017
The man at the Izod Center in New Jersey on the Welcome To America tour,who's Drums sounded like THUNDER will never forget that sound and now that you are in Heaven when there is a storm.Need I say more?
Rest In Peace
James Barrett
July 9, 2017
You were a true inspiration and I wish I would've had the opportunity to meet you but you left plenty of golden nuggets of wisdom and drum instruction for many of us that will always be timeless!!!!
R.I.P
QC Miller
July 9, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of our friend John "Kenny" Blackwell. I am just so saddened by this. I met him back in high school over 25 years ago when his mother used to do my mom, sister and my hair. Although we lost touch over the years I remember him as being a gentle, considerate, nice person. We would always joke about which school was better...Kennan or Eau Claire? :) May you continue to play with the heavenly angels, Kenny!! You will be sorely missed by many.
Nicole Carter
July 9, 2017
Thank-you for the music. God bless your family. RIH
Doris Corona
July 9, 2017
A VIRTUOSO IN HIS OWN RIGHT! YOU ARE LOVINGLY MISSED BY YOUR PURPLE FAMILY! SEE YOU IN TIME!
Mildred Oliver
July 9, 2017
Mildred, Mona and Chayce
Mildred Oliver
July 9, 2017
John....when I met you.....you were still in school in Ca!! "You won this battle "......I worked with your Dad at Bank of America in Atlanta. ....you have left a precious void.....
July 9, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about John Blackwell, Jr. I send deepest condolences as we await the wonderful time when no one will ever again be sick, for this has been promised. (Isa.33:24)
Janet Huegerich
July 9, 2017
My prayers and deepest condolences are with John Blackwell Jr's family. RIP John, you will be greatly missed. The heavens are rocking.
Evelyn Rockett
July 9, 2017
Rest in Peace John Blackwell Jr. Thank you for such a beautiful contribution of music through the years. Praying strength for your family!
July 9, 2017
Rest in peace John.
Ella Muhammad
July 8, 2017
JB, you will be so missed. I will surely miss our long conversations about religion, I will miss your smile and that enormous personality, most of all I will miss my dear friend. May God grant you peace in paradise until we Et again.
Gayle Martinez
July 8, 2017
My condolences to his family
Grace Jones
July 8, 2017
Rest in peace Mr. Blackwell.
Deronda Baxter Lucas
July 8, 2017
Rest in paradise....
April Watson
July 8, 2017
May you rest in Heaven with Prince you and him can rock out until we all meet again to the family may god bless you and keep you in his hands as you go through this I am saying prayers for all Until we meet again <3 <3 you where and still loved very much
Baddest Drummer, my all time favorite! R.I.P.
Haddie Lewis
July 8, 2017
Rest in Paradise John!!!
Your infectious smile and drumming skills will always be remembered. My condolences to your beautiful wife, family, friends and #NPG family. Praying everyone finds comfort that you're now FREE!!!!
Cheryl Ace
July 8, 2017
Yaritza, all of us at the Brain Injury Association of Florida would like to express our condolences to you and your family.
Dedria Jenkins
July 8, 2017
God bless John's soul,Rip, My Condolences to the family, God bless and Comfort you for your grave loss.
Brenda Payton
July 8, 2017
Sorry for your loss condolences to your family rest in musical paradise bro
patti blackwood
July 8, 2017
What a wonderful person and drummer...he and Prince thought the world of each other.....I was so shocked when I heard he passed....
Cassondra Collins
July 8, 2017
So glad I got to see you perform in person!! You are an amazing drummer and will be greatly missed. Praying for your family. Purple love
Haddie Lewis (Willis)
July 8, 2017
My deepest sympathies to your wife and children. I pray they find peace & comfort. You were my favorite drummer Prince has had. I watch your solo. And you're on BEAST mode. So passionate when you play. Sadly you passed away on my birthday. But you're truly free now. You will be missed. NPG 4 LYFE!!!❤ You now are with your daughter Jia and Prince. I know he welcomed you! Rest Peacefully John
July 8, 2017
My daughter and granddaughter send prayers.....
Mildred Oliver
July 8, 2017
John....you really won the battle. ..I worked with your Dad in Atlanta at Bank of America. ......
Daphne Timmons Dean
July 8, 2017
My condolences to your family and many friends.
Michaela
July 8, 2017
Dear John, thank you for the music. Funkiest drummer ever.
My sincere condolences go to the ones he had to leave behind.
May you sleep in peace.
Shelby J
July 8, 2017
I will Miss U 4eva my talented brother :) So thankful for our bond & so many memories. NC/SC musicmates & NPG4Life! I'll C U not the Other side. Blessings to your devoted wife Yaritza & prayers of comfort to the entire Blackwell family.
July 8, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family and friends, may you endure this difficult time.
Phillipians 4:6,7
NC
Marcie R
July 8, 2017
Rest in power John. Thank u. Heartfelt condolences to Yaritza and those who loved u. Purple love..
Carlotta
July 7, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Blackwell family and friends at this difficult time.
June Lewis
July 7, 2017
My condolences to the family. God has him now in Paradise.
Lee Pelletier
July 7, 2017
My heart goes out to you, Mrs. Blackwell. I feel honored that John called me his all time pool partner. And I confess that I did tell our waitresses who you were. My heartfelt sympathies are with the family.
Janice Battee
July 7, 2017
"Kenny"....I can still hear your mom yelling for you to come home cause the street light came on. Growing up together, we (North 21 Terrace 80's kids) were family. We all grew up....you and I grew closer. I'm going to miss our long talks about life, love, relationship and family. No matter where you were on Earth, you managed to stay in contact with me, like a brother should. You would always somehow know the perfect time to call. Our friendship was a special one.
I remember the years, us standing at the bus stop and you chasing me around the brick wall. Then came middle school when you carried your drum sticks everywhere and practiced on anything. We would come get you for "Pine Cone Wars" and would have to wait outside until you finished drum lessons with your Dad. Had us jamming on your front porch cause the beats were funky!!! At W.J. Keenan where you were the MASTER on the drums in the marching band as well as the Jazz band. The rest is history. All the while, you stayed humbled and grounded. Thanks Kenny for being my real friend.
W.J. Keenan C/O 1991
North 21 Terrace
James Reese
July 7, 2017
RIP John. Thank you for autographing my drums before you graduated from Keenan High School. I always knew you were going to be a star, on earth as well as in heaven . Always your friend Mr James "Jim Dandy" Reese. PS.... Give my cousin Robert Newton a big GODLY hug for me. See you at the next "gig".
July 7, 2017
Pray for Jehovah's supernatural grace, peace and strength to envelope his family and friends as they walk through this valley! John is resting easy now. Pray for the " peace that passes all understanding " for Yaritsa and her son!
David Rogers
July 7, 2017
Gone too soon.Those of us who loved you are in mourning but we are proud of the memories that you left us. R.I.P. Smokey.
July 7, 2017
May God comfort the family during this difficult time.
Connie
July 7, 2017
I'll never forget when Prince pulled me up on stage to sing at Paisley. You were on the drums! Thank you John, for sharing your talent with us!
Will Turner
July 7, 2017
Thank you John for everything. We all love you.
Julie Geldreich
July 7, 2017
As your soul lives on I thank God for the
gift of such a humanitarian and musician.
May God's love be with your family and
friends always.
July 7, 2017
Rest In Peace, Mr. Blackwell. You were the best... There will never be another like you. Prayers and much love to all of the family and friends!!
Norma D.
APRIL WATSON
July 6, 2017
PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES COLUMBIA SC AS WELL AS TAMPA FL OF MR. JOHN BLACKWELL. MR. BLACKWELL EVEN THOUGH I NEVER GOT MET YOU IN THE NPG DAYS BUT YOU WHERE A BEAST ON THOSE DRUMS. I KNOW PRINCE WAS PROUD OF YOU A LOT OF THE NPG CONCERTS ARE OUT SINCE PRINCE WAS CALLED HOME. AN NOW YOU ARE BOTH BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. S.I.P.
APRIL WATSON-NPG LIFE
Michelle Wiggins
July 6, 2017
RIP John....my heartfelt condolences
Cyndi R
July 6, 2017
RIP Mr John Blackwell. You showed the world what it really means to PLAY the drums. Your artistry is unparalleled. Thank you for your gifts.
A M
July 6, 2017
keep playing your drums in heaven and making music with the one and only Prince Rest In Peace !
Hilery Burton, Jr.
July 6, 2017
Remember the conversations we had at WOIC radio and John talked about Cameo and how he met Prince. John was a great young man.
Jean Eisenstat
July 6, 2017
God knows and sees more than we seeMay God comfort you and your childrenI am sure he and Prince shared much love and joy in this life and we hope in the next as well
July 6, 2017
Deepest condolence to the Blackwell family! John will be missed by everyone that knew him. Cherish the memories as they will last forever!
Jenn InAustin
July 6, 2017
I am thankful for the time John spent performing with Prince and with Patti LaBelle. he was a very gifted drummer- percussionist.
Joseph Strom
July 6, 2017
Your tenderness and Love will be missed. Your my hero
Sabrina
July 6, 2017
Thank you and may You rest forever in Gods loving arms
Bonnie Miller
July 6, 2017
Love and light John to you and your family. I was blessed to see you twice and experience your magic in music. Thank you for all you gave to make this world brighter musically and wonderful for us all. Prayers to all. God speed. <3
Sandy McCance
July 6, 2017
JOHN WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF A KIND. WHAT AN AMAZING TALENT HE HAD AND SUCH A SOFT SPOKEN AND HUMBLE BEING HE WAS, BUT PUT A PAIR OF STICKS IN HIS HANDS AND IT WAS LIKE YOU SET HIM ON FIRE. HE WAS VERY ADMIRED AND LOVED AND WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY, MAY YOU FIND SOME COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT HE IS NO LONGER IN PAIN AND IS AT PEACE. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU JOHN BLACKWELL❤❤
Trista Mcconegly
July 6, 2017
I saw John play at monterray's in Columbia, sc with Robert Newton, every Thursday night for a year my ears were blessed with his drumming. I remember the night Robert newton announced that John would be joining one of the greatest entertainers of our time, prince, on his summer tour. The crowd went nuts that night. They ended up jamming on a prince song in honor of his new job. It was a bittersweet, yet proud moment for all the Robert newton fans that night. God bless his family and thanks to his parents for helping to develop his drumming talent. Drummers are the glue in a band. He made people dance, smile, and forget about their troubles while he jammed on his kit. Rest In Peace John Blackwell, thank you for sharing your love and talent with the world. Trista y. McConegly
A Nana
July 6, 2017
July 6, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Donna Loggia
July 6, 2017
RIP, Prince is waiting at the gates for you
Belinda Barnett-Andrea
July 6, 2017
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers extend to the family.
Kathy Chrysostomou
July 6, 2017
The greatest drummer that ever lived ... gentle soul RIP . Love you always . Sleep tight ❤
Sammi Lessner
July 6, 2017
Condolences to John's family and friends. Rest easy with prince now.
Peach Stanford
July 6, 2017
My Deepest sympathy to John's Family. Rest In Power and thank you for sharing your immense talent with the world.
Peach
July 6, 2017
Rest in Paradise John....I know Prince is happy to have you by his side <3
Tammie Botting
July 6, 2017
RIP John. The greatest drummer I have ever seen perform. May God wrap hes loving arms around Yaritza during these sorrowful times.
July 6, 2017
Praying for his family, friends and fans.
Gifted young man who left earth so soon.
Rhonda, MD
mONICA wOODS
July 6, 2017
pRINCE IS WAITING TO SEE YA ON THE OTHER SIDE
NELLIE ORDONEZ
July 6, 2017
REST IN PEACE JOHN YOU'RE WITH OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN AND WITH PRINCE IN THE AFTERWORLD, YOU WILL BE MISS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU GAVE US IN MUSIC.
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