Musician John Blackwell is presented the key to the city by Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin Monday morning.
COLUMBIA (WACH) - John Blackwell has played with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Patti Labelle and on Monday night will again take the stage with music giant Prince, but, the reception the Keenan High School alum received at his alma mater Monday morning may have floored him the most.
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."
After graduating from Keenan in the early 1990's, Blackwell went on to study music at the Berklee School of Music in Boston before launching his musical career. in 1999, Blackwell met pop star Prince while performing at a concert with Patti Labelle. Prince was impressed with Blackwell's work and invited him to play with the New Power Generation, starting a professional relationship that still exists today.
Blackwell takes the stage with Prince Monday night at the Colonial Life Arena as part of Prince's "Welcome 2 America" tour. The showtime is set for 7:30pm, tickets are still available, kicking off a six-show tour of North and South Carolina.
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