http://www.thestate.com/2...-grad.html

Columbia SC sure is in for a treat tonight with flexible and versatile homeboy John Blackwell backing up Prince!!

John is such a high caliber drummer, not only to be ready on short notice but to be able to keep up with Prince as he changes styles and arrangements.

John has been through so much, God Bless him for hanging in with the band. Sounds like Prince was instrumental in helping him keep his focus through those hard times It's going to be a great show. Have fun everybody

colorblu said:

Columbia SC sure is in for a treat tonight with flexible and versatile homeboy John Blackwell backing up Prince!!

John is such a high caliber drummer, not only to be ready on short notice but to be able to keep up with Prince as he changes styles and arrangements.

John has been through so much, God Bless him for hanging in with the band. Sounds like Prince was instrumental in helping him keep his focus through those hard times It's going to be a great show. Have fun everybody

Not only is John a sick drummer he's also a real humble dude. He did a drum clinic at Sims Music a couple years back, and one of the things I never forgot was that between his hand and the stick that was workin the hi hat, all you saw was a blur. lol I reminded him of that day when I saw John at the Colonial when he was takin care of some business and he just said thank you and I appreciate that. What made that time so cool was that you'd never know he was famous. If you met him and didn't already know he's a musician it'd be just like havin a convo with a fellow fan.

John Blackwell is awesome. There are a few articles around about him today, particularly as the mayor of Columbia gave him the key to the city today:

http://www.midlandsconnec...?id=595377

The drummer is one of the most respected performers in his field, and was recognized for his achievements by South Carolina leaders Monday. Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin presented Blackwell with a key to the city, and Rep. Todd Rutherford honored Blackwell with a resolution from the state.

"I'm standing here now," Blackwell told hundreds of students inside a packed Keenan High gym. "Maybe tomorrow one of you or all of you, I would love for all of you to be here having your day like having mine now."

Well deserved. Congrats JB!!!!

Great article. Thanks for sharing. John seems like a cool cat. I am sorry to hear about his parents' passing. Several of the NPG members have lost family recently. I pray that God grants them comfort, strength and grace to make it through the storm.