Powerhouse Prince drummer John Blackwell Jr. has died at age 43.Blackwell's wife, Yaritza, who updates her husband's social media accounts, shared the news Tuesday on Instagram with a photo of her grasping his hand. She wrote that he died "peacefully" in her company, adding, "Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support." The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office in Tampa did not respond to a message seeking confirmation of Blackwell's death.
Blackwell, a master percussionist who performed with Prince for 15 years, was known for his unique style of drumming. He graduated from Berklee College of Music before being recruited by Prince in 2000 to play in his band New Power Generation. Blackwell also performed with Patti LaBelle, Justin Timberlake and Cameo.
He found out he had two brain tumors last year when he was in Japan to play at Blue Note Tokyo, a live jazz venue.
After that diagnosis, Blackwell focused on his fight to survive, losing the use of an arm when doctors removed part of his brain while removing the tumors.
Last fall, Blackwell told Tampa TV station WTSP-TV that Prince was like a father figure to him. He said a dear friend had recently told him that he could just imagine Prince calling for him to play even in heaven.
Blackwell laughed saying, "I can hear Prince now say, 'I'll just call John.' No, you ain't! I don't want to do that gig. Not yet."
Fellow musicians paid tribute on Twitter as the news spread.
"We lost another brother," wrote Morris Day of The Time, another Prince colleague.
We lost another brother... John Blackwell made his transition today!!!
— Morris Day (@TheMorrisDay) July 4, 2017
Our prayers go out to his wife and family! https://t.co/bWUgRBQql4
"One of the best to ever pick up drumsticks," Travis Barker tweeted.
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
Prince protégé Sheila E. remembered him as "amazing man" and "beautiful friend."
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
Posted by: Wanna Be Like Stevie! <joditrotter@yahoo.com>
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