John Blackwell (R.I.P.): Mind Of Jia (R.I.P.)

[@BillRayDrums]

JB used to show up to my gig in Cardiff, CA in the late 1990s; he had just moved to California for a brief stay and was my neighbor, pretty much. He had the gig with Patti LaBelle and didn't have any drums and needed a kit. He called me up one day and said "I'm gonna go get a job at Toys R Us so I can make some $ to buy a kit". I said "man get over here and pick up a set, I've got three, so take my old Corder Drum Co. kit and bring it back when you don't need it anymore." 9 months go by and he finally calls me up and said he's bringing them back because he's moving. To Minneapolis, for obvious reasons. JB was that cat who would drop your jaw on the floor, and always have something positive to say about your playing no matter how hard he melted your face. He made everyone feel gracious and welcome all the time. I saw him shortly after his daughter had passed and it broke my heart to see how it affected him; he'd seemed to have blotted out the years prior to the accident. I chalked it up to "Before Jia" and "After Jia". RIP my old friend.

[@droebuck]

What a beautiful soul he is 😢

[@namurtdiggins4738]

Master ❤❤❤❤

[@bigtrknyc2288]

Real people do real things 🫡🫡

[@charlesfranklin3533]

May He and His Daughter Rest In Peace. The Drumming World Lost a Beautiful Person And a Marvelous Drummer. Rest in Paradise John.

[@chriscannon17]

💯

[@mikenelson8409]

The ubiquitous bassist Mr. Will Lee! ❤

[@pjfan173]

@@mikenelson8409I noticed him right away.

[@mikenelson8409]

@pjfan173 The man is ALWAYS working! I remember back in 1982 The David Letterman show debuted along with "The world's most dangerous band" Will Lee was the bassist.

[@636racer]

his daughter too 👀😩

[@tromBoyer]

My road dog, my little brother. Only your body is gone, your spirit live with us always

[@carydrum11]

Unbelievable! One of the best drummers I've ever heard. So glad this was recorded and filmed!!!

[@charlesabboud1613]

absolutely ever single thing about that performance by John Blackwell is sublime, and the other musicians are on fire, what a tight band for such complex music

[@brad5392]

JB plays the most insane fills and is still in pocket, that’s a gift from God!

[@esaaecha]

.... John Blackwell was truly given a gift from GOD to play the drums. Before the Lord Jesus called him to come home, i'm glad i had the privilege to hear him play. Rest in peace my dear brother.

[@subatomic10]

Was he a Christian?

[@esaaecha]

.... i don't know if John was a Christian, but one can only hope that he was before he died.

[@bobshortcut6950]

His musical genius continues to inspire us and will impact generations to come!

[@corneliusjuwlewreh336]

John is playing drums in Heaven for his Maker. Rest Well Legend Blackwell 🎉🎉🎉🕊🕊🕊🙏🙏🙏

[@grantvr6]

Besides the 'Like' button, is there a 'Gasp-for-Air' button?!!! Good lord, that was awesome!!!

[@sPi711]

I was looking for the "Holy Shit" button.

[@jasonsmouse6570]

Saw him with Prince twice. Man, was he a beast.

[@rickcampbell296]

Also saw him with Prince and met him out in the hallway and he was so cool to us a great time

[@ER-me1ii]

Embarrassed to say I never knew of this cat but 7 minutes later and I can say I do. World class, straight up.

[@charlesdrake3125]

Check out Prince's Rainbow Children album. He plays all the drums.

[@ER-me1ii]

@@charlesdrake3125 I will thanks. This deserves deeper exploration.

[@billstrohler]

Same here

[@renesbbwi]

Same here. I didn't know him u till this video today.

[@droebuck]

He toured with Cameo, too.

[@dangm7]

Will Lee on bass. Giant!!!

[@leonidesnicolascaliolio7311]

One of the best smoooooth jazz drummer of the world

[@pedropenduko2714]

I was stop breathing for 7 mins.! 😂 What a solo. RIP JB!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🫡🫡🫡

[@PinoBatMusicDrums15]

👏👏🙏🙏

[@sidjbel]

His timing is so amazing to the point where you'd think he's freestyling but if you listen closer you can hear that it's an arranged piece. I loved every bit of this!!!

[@alexandremello6913]

Monstrous player. Always crisp and powerful.

[@fernandocaballerohn]

So sad he isn't with us anymore. Awesome drumming Mr. Blackwell, wherever you are.

[@jpolls233]

He's in the common grave of mankind. Asleep, conscious of nothing at all as Ecclesiastes 9:5 says. Asleep in the grave awaiting the resurrection. Praise Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ!

[@subatomic10]

​@@jpolls2332 Cor 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord

[@ronycabellon4240]

Rest in Peace 🙏🙏🙏 Man... You were amazing!

[@RolandDuke]

Man such a monster player, so sad RIP brother.

[@droebuck]

RIP buddy. I am blessed to have known you. ❤

[@joewatson8347]

John Blackwell & Billy Kilson, too badd ass dudes😮😮😮

[@calijazzvoice]

Fabulous Drummer!!!Continue to rest peacefully. Tasteful, diverse, & flexible band. Thank you for leaving each of your footprints of Greatness!❤

[@erikdodos36]

My all time favorite drummer to watch/listen to. Met him and Abe Laboriel Jr at NAMM one year and I was in shock to meet them both just walking around. I didn’t know what to say after the initial greeting. He continued the conversation and made me feel comfortable asking how my day was. Very humble. I left just awe struck like what just happened

[@droebuck]

He is a beautiful soul.

[@carlslaughter2653]

I don’t play much these days but when I did sit behind the kit man did I want to sound like JB😢…Sometimes we’re strangely connected to people even if you’ve never met them 😊 Rest in power brother

[@Jeff4014]

John Blackwell's amazing drumming style is unique and inimitable, much like how Eric Gales plays his guitar upside down and backwards as a right-handed. John Blackwell, being left-handed, plays on a right-handed drum set, adding a completely new dimension to his technique. Many people don’t realize that his fills, while they may sound familiar, are entirely unconventional. This is because his first dominant beat always starts with his left hand, which completely transforms the game since he uses a standard right-handed drum set. This artist is truly irreplaceable.

[@johnca45]

I can't believe he left us at only 45 years of age.

[@jabr0nicus]

what an absolute king. truly a legendary drummer and musician. RIP

[@yusufsupriyadi9406]

All hail King John 🙏🙏

[@PrinceVanDutch]

😂😂

[@DerekFrazier2014]

What a great performance to honor him. Great drummer and band he was playing with. Beastmode to the end🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️

[@Thom726]

I met him once backstage at a Prince concert, such a gentleman and great musician. God rest his soul and his family’s hearts.

[@scottanstine379]

This man forever changed my life as a kid! I still have his drum DVD’s my dad bought me in high school. He will truly be missed! God Bless you John! Also Rest In Paradise to another phenomenal drummer I discovered on drummer world back in the day, the late great Aaron Spears🙌❤️

[@spencerblood3515]

R,I,P, to the Legend of Mr, John Blackwell, one of the greatest to ever do it

[@davidhull6332]

Insanely talented drummer ! 😮

[@HardRockinJohnny]

Love the five-piece set up. Don't see many people doing that anymore.

[@batero-mikev]

What a Monster of the Drums !! Just only perfect amazing execution !! No words.. RIP Good Drumer😒. We see in another alternative life together in another place !! Many respect to you !! Sorry by all my English !!!

[@clydetyng9192]

He kick Buddy riches ass. He is the God he was the God he always will be my God bless your heart.

[@daniboyofficial7895]

My God words are not enough to explain this Man's talent, my heart was skipping through the whole performance and I couldn't stop hmm hmm watching this man perform. He is more than just the best. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

[@vincentward5150]

Bless to see him live twice playing with the goat “PRINCE” and Patti Label. A showmen for sure and a bad MF on them skins!! Can’t watch him play everyday!! Rest in beats!!

[@john.johnb_online1438]

6:08 Right on Will. keeping locked in Damn JB No words❤

[@funklover24]

What a phenomenal drummer. Gone way too soon, may he rest in peace.

[@Amblos-jk7uo]

The China is practically located in China. That always cracked me up. RIP Mr. Blackwell. You are truly missed.

[@groovereben]

Absolutely amazing

[@MrPistons4life]

Man I miss this dude😢 Rip DrumGod Blackwell 💯

[@anthonyddrummer]

A legend!!!!!! One of the best drummers to have ever lived!!!!

[@oneanddone7992]

Yes. He was a drumming prodigy.

[@adambyrd3324]

John was that cat I only spoke to him a couple of times over the net and like you said a great attitude and respect he spoke as if he knew me may he RIP

[@dbenders1]

Master drummer! RIP John!

[@johncampbellpercussion]

Blackwell was a beast. RIP brother..

[@JeffreyMann-l8t]

Really an awesome drummer, played for Prince outstanding.

[@carlajams11]

One of Prince best drummers!!!!! Rest peacefully King!!!❤🤴🏾🙏🏽🕊🥁

[@funkslave9425]

One of the quirkiest and original drummers ever. These gospel dudes have chops but a lot of times it ends up sounding the same.

[@doctorgrewv]

I don't like the term "gospel drummer," don't really understand why church players get to own some drumming style, and I do agree with your assessment, very quirky, much different than the others who play church songs or whatever that all means. 🙂

[@funkslave9425]

@@doctorgrewv Well it kinda is their playing style. It’s a very specific feel and application of chops that they have developed, you have to hand it to them. The problem is that it often sounds gratuitous and over the top, not to mention boring/repetitive.

[@koda6768]

This was good indeed. I feel the exact same about so many guitarists. It gets very monotonous when they solo.😅

[@sergeich.za.40]

​@@funkslave9425всё одинаково впринципе Каждый стиль в частности Или ты космический корабль каждую песню изобретаешь, или может новый стиль? 🤦‍♂️

[@funkslave9425]

@@sergeich.za.40 I don’t speak Russian bro

[@poppop-24]

HI FAMILY, PERSONALLY I NEVER MET MR. BLACKWELL, BUT I TRUELY ADMIRED HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC. THE MUSICAL GIFT HE RECEIVED FROM THE UNIVERSE WAS WELL DESERVED. I CAN'T RECALL THE YEAR THAT I SEEN HIM ON TV, I DID NOT KNOW WHO HE WAS OR HIS NAME, ALL I KNEW IS THAT HE WAS ROGERS( PRINCE ) NELSONS DRUMMER. AND BRUMAN WAS ROLLING ON THOSE DRUMS. MR. BLACKWELL DIDN'T PLAY WITH HIS GIFT, HE MADE GOD PROUD. MR. JOHN BLACKWELL, YOU INSPIRED MANY YOUR WORK ETHIC WAS INPECABLE, JOB WELL DONE MY FRIEND. YOUR UNIVERSAL FAMILY IS PROUD OF YOU. REST IN POWER ALWAYS 1 ❤ WASHINGTON D.C

[@ВикторКозлов-ж3д]

Очень,очень,круто.

[@philzgotenzo3685]

Jb I respect his rudiments his energy and passion when he plays it does inspires me to do stuffs ..rest well JB

[@mohenrybbg]

Met him briefly walking outside of NAMM before he passed. Rest in peace brother.

[@girodgillispie2419]

Wow he's gone what a great Drummer

[@solitarydrummer]

MAAAARAAAVIIILLOOOOOSOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@charlesmarion2032]

Absolutely amazing 😮

[@cbro777]

Yes, he rocked that.

[@flamecolumn]

So glad I was fortunate enough to see JB with Prince. He drove that band like a freight train all night.

[@davidmiller2050]

I met him at the ACM in Guildford when he was playing for Justin Timberlake, such a nice guy and incredible drummer

[@Xformat01]

Wow. I am angry. I am angry that I somehow missed out on knowing about this Pure and utter Master of drums. I have tears in my eyes to have only now find out how he had tragically died, realizing that I missed out on one of the very best drummers of the world. I have always sought to know the best drummers to have lived, and now I will add this Blessed and beautiful man to that list. I have only just met you, and yet you are gone. Rest in Peace, you amazing creation of God. Now I will go and dry my face . . .

[@HaydesGrooves]

Meet him after a clinic. Was a big fan before he came. Gone way to soon. R.I.L JB.

[@macleenrangasamy5745]

master Paul Pesco on guitar 🎸✌️✌️ and d one n only JB 🙏🙏 met him in Shanghai few years back , we jam together at the club I was playing and drink beer 🍺 together , his a beast on drum ✌️✌️ 1 of d best moment in my life , really kool dude 👍👍 rest in power brother 🙏🙏

[@bassio1969]

Insane… #respect

[@LorraineSweyko]

AWESOME ❤ THANK YOU God Bless

[@marceloteixeira07]

Amazing drummer! R.I.P 😢

[@dalehardges5456]

Jb is probably one of best drummers of his time, such a intricate drummer who seems to be all over the place but if you're truly listening it all makes since a true showman he will missed..Rest In Love brother!!!

[@tizosh7]

I saw him play with Frankie Beverly and Maze one night and he made that great band even greater.

[@emoe40]

Wow... simply phenomenal

[@batacojazz4564]

¡Espectacular!. Músicos de primer nivel!!. Descanse en paz el baterista Jhon Blackwell.

[@tiautodiagnosticoautomotivo]

Um monstro na batera

[@JB-pg6ju]

I knew he was good but this was some real next level stuff....geez.

[@MrPedroramos8911]

Incredible

[@Vater1]

man this was fantastic

[@japanegao6818]

Lenda!! 🐐❤

[@amygrindhouse4193]

spectacular

[@4thecollectors]

I'm still not over this one I have two copies of his DVD box set

[@CarlosalexandreMoraes]

Rapaz sem comentários técnica inexplicável...❤

[@megas04]

💞 Quel Talent 💞🎶🥁🎶💞 RIP 💓🙏💓

[@636racer]

he was an inspiration to me

[@kevinswan8311]

Man I miss him.

[@jakeknight5118]

Tight 💪🏾

[@Keep-it-Real-24]

WOW...amazing.

[@charleswoods8471]

Explosive!!!Dynamic!!

[@czystakrev]

Always in, about, time... ❤ 😢😢😢

[@AGWOOD-xb1fy]

My favorite drummer!

[@jeffcokenour3459]

Just wow

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

One of the greatest drummers that ever lived Rent In Paradise John Blackwell Jr.

[@s.bouche7888]

I love him eternally ! ❤

[@davidfmyers]

Sweating just watching this. Dude is in long sleeves and vest😮

[@MP-ju4ol]

I know I missed seeing a great one. Love the open handed playing too. Good soul gone too soon.

[@saintjoseph6572]

Wooow!! Fabulous 🎉

[@jazz3685]

Just came across this video may he rest in peace, may I ask was he in ill health. My son is a drummer and I will share this video to him

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.😭

[@jermainem3399]

Da#m you go Boy rest in peace my brother may the lord serve you well God Bless. 😢❤

[@thebasmantho]

Suponho que se faça uma revisão na cronologia papal e seja incluído João Paulo II. O mesmo foi excluído "inadvertidamente" da lista de papas. Fora essa "inexplicável" lacuna, o documentário foi muito bem redigido e dirigido. Parabéns pelo trabalho!

[@barrycomer3688]

Awesome

[@ТамараБерезовская]

Супер барабанщик !