Adam Blackstone (born December 4, 1982, in Trenton, New Jersey) is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and bassist. He is the musical director for Nicki Minaj and Justin Timberlake. Blackstone has also directed and played in performances with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Janet Jackson,[1] Dr. Dre, The Jonas Brothers, The Roots, Ms.Marilyn Marshall, Al Green, The Isley Brothers, Angie Stone, Mike Posner, Steve Tirpak, Al Jarreau, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, and Jill Scott.[2]
Adam Blackstone | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Adam Blackstone |
| Born | December 4, 1982 Trenton, New Jersey[1] |
| Origin | Philadelphia |
| Occupation(s) | Producer, songwriter, musical director, musician |
| Instrument(s) | Bass, piano, keyboards, drums, vocals, harmonica, banjo, mandolin |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Website | www |
Early years
editAdam Blackstone began playing drums at the age of 4 at El Bethel Baptist church on Euclid Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey. With his father serving as the church organist, and his mother singing in the choir,[3] Blackstone has said he first fell in love with music at church. Though his sights were set on being a drummer, he began playing bass in 3rd grade at his music teacher's suggestion. He started playing upright bass in 9th grade, in order to join his Willingboro High School jazz band. He went on to earn a full scholarship to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia thanks to his musical abilities.[4] It was there that Adam studied contemporary jazz, honing and perfecting his bass playing and arranging skills.
Career
editAdam Blackstone began his career as a session musician in the Philadelphia area. After becoming widely known in the area for his round, distinct tone, Adam caught the attention of drummer and producer Questlove of the well known hip hop and soul group, The Roots. His first big live show was at age 21 with Jay-Z on his Fade to Black show at Madison Square Garden in November 2003. This show, along with Dave Chappelle's Block Party, were both filmed and made into popular documentaries that sold extremely well, and helped put Blackstone on the map. As he progressed, Adam became more well known among artists and labels for his tenacity, leadership skills, and hard work.[citation needed] Adam has since worked with and for several other A-list artists. [who?]
In 2012, Adam was the music director and bassist for Rihanna on her 777 Tour, which involved playing in 7 countries in 7 consecutive days.
Following his work with the popular American rock band Maroon 5, Adam Blackstone was also featured as an adviser to coach Adam Levine during NBC's season one of The Voice.[5]
In 2014, Adam Blackstone was recruited by Eminem for his comeback show after a 3-year hiatus at the famed Austin City Limits Music Festival. More recently Adam worked with Justin Timberlake as a member and music coordinator of his band formerly known as the Tennessee Kids.[6]
Alongside working with several A-list artists, Adam also runs his own production company with his wife Kaisha, entitled BBE (BASSic Black Entertainment[7]), which features several up and coming pop and R&B acts. Founded in 2008, it thrives mostly as a live music staffing service for these artists. Kaisha Blackstone is the current CFO, while Adam runs the more creative side of the organization.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b "TV Guide". TV Guide.
- ^ "Adam Blackstone Magic Man". Recording Artists & Performances. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
- ^ "Bassist Adam Blackstone shares insights on the music business". For Bass Players Only. July 8, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
- ^ "Adam Blackstone University of the Arts to National Acts". Performances.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "NBC announces Advisors". Adam Blackstone announced advisor on The Voice. Archived from the original on May 2, 2011.
- ^ "Justin Timberlake". Justin Timberlake. Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
- ^ "BASSIC BLACK ENTERTAINMENT Trademark of Blackstone, Adam – Registration Number 4767250 – Serial Number 86300836 :: Justia Trademarks". trademarks.justia.com. Retrieved December 10, 2015.