Justin Timberlake Honors Late Collaborator/Prince Drummer John Blackwell Jr
By James Dinh
July 5, 2017
Justin Timberlake's mourning the loss of Prince's drummer, John Blackwell Jr, who he worked with in 2006 following the release of FutureSex/LoveSounds. On Wednesday (July 5), he took to Twitter to share his condolences for the late musician. He was 43 years old.
"RIP, John Blackwell. You are a kind, gentle soul and one special talent. You will be missed by myself and so many," he wrote of his former collaborator, adding, "God bless you, bro." Word of Blackwell's passing surfaced on Tuesday via his wife, Yaritza, who revealed that he died peacefully in her presence after losing his battle with a brain tumor. "Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support," she wrote in an Instagram post.
In addition to Timberlake, other industry names like Blink-182's Travis Barker and Nik West, also took to social media to tribute the late drummer. See the messages below!
RIP, John Blackwell. You are a kind, gentle soul and one special talent. You will be missed by myself and so many. God bless you, bro.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 5, 2017
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
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
Photo: Getty Images