John Blackwell, Jr. Passed Away!

John Blackwell, Jr. Famed drummer for Prince passed away from brain cancer.

A great drummer and father passed away.

John Blackwell, Jr., was the legendary drummer of Prince. He joined the New Power Generation in 2000 played for Prince for nearly 12 years.

He was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors a little over a year ago. He lost use of his arm and leg, was being treated for this.

Blackwell's wife had posted the sad news on social media. It started trending soon after.

One year ago, my husband, incredible drummer John Blackwell Jr. was diagnosed with brain tumors while in Japan playing at the Blue Note Tokyo in a featuring with top bassist Nik West. This whole year has been very challenging not only for John, but for me also, that have to provide the care he needs, and with the help of God, you as donors, and his doctors, nurses and therapists he is still fighting hard to get better. Today, he faces another hospital change, now to a rehab facility, where he will receive Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies to continue his long recovery process. I want to give special thanks to my mother, that for three months has been next to me everyday taking care of me and John, his friends John Spinelli, Tim Conwell, Bruce Harris and Takuya Futaesaku -Takki- and everyone who has visited him including his family, my family and his drummers friends Gregg Bissonette, Dennis Chambers, Antonio Sánchez, Billy Cobham, Chad Smith, Natalie Depergola, Connor Fass, Eric from Tampa, and musician Joe Cosas, just to name a few. I pray God for John everyday, every hour... and thank you for your prayers, donations and for the good thoughts for John. Yaritza

A post shared by John Blackwell (@johnblackwelljr) on Jun 30, 2017 at 3:28am PDT

My husband incredible drummer John Blackwell Jr. passed away peacefully in my company today. Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support. Yaritza

A post shared by John Blackwell (@johnblackwelljr) on Jul 4, 2017 at 10:28am PDT

Listín Diario, Dominican Republic. 7/8/2017

A post shared by John Blackwell (@johnblackwelljr) on Jul 8, 2017 at 2:31pm PDT

#Repost @adorep83

A post shared by John Blackwell (@johnblackwelljr) on Jun 1, 2017 at 6:23pm PDT

The A.V. Club reports on the live of this great entertainer.

Born in South Carolina, he was inspired to be a musician just like his father. He attended the Berklee College of Music before dropping out. He would get a gig playing for Cameo in 1995.

He would later move to Los Angles working for Patti LaBelle. He was soon discovered by Prince and joined him on tour during his time.

I can picture John and Prince making music together in the other life.

He will be missed by many. He leaves behind a wife Yaritza.