The prolific drummer died on Tuesday, July 4 after a year-long battle with brain tumor as his wife confirmed his death on her husband's Instagram account.
- Jul 5, 2017
AceShowbiz - Prolific drummer and former powerhouse Prince collaborator John Blackwell Jr. died on Tuesday, July 4 after a year-long battle with brain tumor. He was 43.
Blackwell's wife, Yaritz, confirmed his death on her husband's Instagram account. She shared a photo of her holding his hand. "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," she captioned the heartbreaking photo.
Blackwell had been diagnosed with a brain tumor which affected the use of his left arm and leg. In summer 2016, he sought rehabilitation services at a Tampa, Florida hospital with a GoFundMe page helping his family cover medical costs for the musician. A few days ago, Yaritza logged into the same account to thank fans and friends for their enormous support for all this time.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Blackwell dedicated most of his time to music. He was a drummer for Patti LaBelle for three years, before landing his drumming gig with Prince. He performed with Prince for over a decade and was also featured on two of Prince's releases, 2003's instrumental "N.E.W.S." album and the "Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas" DVD.
In addition, Blackwell also collaborated with Justin Timberlake in 2006, in support of "Future Sex/Love Sounds." Other artists he collaborated with were D'Angelo and one of Japan's best-selling female artists, Utada Hikaru.
Upon hearing the news of his passing, several music industry figures paid tribute to Blackwell. Among them was bassist Nik West, whom Blackwell had also performed with over the years. "#Prince just got his favorite drummer back and I know John is killing that groove up there. #RipJohnBlackwell," he wrote on Instagram. In a separate post, he dubbed Blackwell "the epitome of a heart of gold. A goat in the drummer world," before adding that he was like "a brother" to him.
"I'm sending prayers to his wife and everyone else he leaves behind today. I visited him while in the hospital and he opened his eyes and held his drumsticks... I had faith he would get well. But now he has no pain. Please allow a moment of silence for JOHN BLACKWELL! #notahappy4thofjuly #alloftheseholes," he continued.
We lost another brother... John Blackwell made his transition today!!!
Our prayers go out to his wife and family! https://t.co/bWUgRBQql4
— Morris Day (@TheMorrisDay) July 4, 2017
Rest In Peace #JohnBlackwell Your legend will live 4ever. One of the best to ever pick up drumsticks. Prayers to family and friends 🥁🙏🏻
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) July 4, 2017
My beautiful friend John Blackwell passed away 2day Plz keep his family in prayer. He was amazing manLuv u my brother pic.twitter.com/X08DYf7MJO
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) July 4, 2017
