Blackwell, John (USA)

ADAMS DRUM CLINIC – April 9, 2006
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL – September 18, 2005

John Blackwell Jr., the sound, funk and fury behind Prince and the New Power Generation, is a true spectacle for the eyes and ears. Blackwell’s slamming tight grooves, popping snare, and flamboyant stick twirls and cross-arm strokes must be seen to be believed.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Blackwell was raised in a very musical family. His father, John Sr., was a well-known professional drummer who performed with The Drifters, The Spinners, and Mary Wells. John Jr. got his first drum set at age 3 and was brought to many concerts by his father. While in high school, he played in the jazz and marching band and gigged every weekend with R&B / Jazz / Fusion group Robert Newton & Lotusfete and with Billy Eckstine.

In 1992, John enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston to further his drumming studies. He became well-known in Boston’s music scene, performing with many jazz and R&B artists, teaching students, and giving drum clinics. After leaving Berklee in 1995, he joined funk legends Cameo for three years. In 1998, John moved to Los Angeles and, within three days, landed the drum gig with R&B legend Patti LaBelle, recording on her Grammy Award-winning CD, DVD, and VHS "Patti LaBelle – Live One Night Only".

2006: On tour with Justin Timberlake...