Don Blackman
Don Blackman was an influential American jazz-funk, R&B, and soul musician known for his work as a pianist, singer, and songwriter. Born on September 1, 1953, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, he passed away on April 11, 2013, at age 59 after battling cancer.
Blackman grew up immersed in jazz, with neighbor Charles McPherson—a saxophonist linked to McCoy Tyner—mentoring him as a teen. By age 15, he performed with McPherson alongside bassist Sam Jones and drummer Louis Hayes.
In the early 1970s, he toured with Parliament-Funkadelic on electric piano and contributed to Earth, Wind & Fire and Roy Ayers. He later joined Lenny White's jazz-funk band Twennynine, writing hits like "Peanut Butter" and "Morning Sunrise."
His 1982 self-titled debut album on Arista/GRP featured European hits "Holding You, Loving You" and "Heart's Desire," blending jazz-funk with R&B. As a prolific session player, he worked with artists including Sting, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson (remixing "That's the Way Love Goes"), Kurtis Blow, and 2Pac (composing "Live to Kick It").
Don Blackman
Written-By – Don Blackman
5:16
A2 Heart's Desire
Written-By, Arranged By – Don Blackman
4:30
A3 Holding You, Loving You
Written-By, Arranged By – Don Blackman
4:10
A4 Deaf Hook-Up Connection
Written-By – Don Blackman
4:03
B1 You Ain't Hip
Written-By – Desire White, Don Blackman
3:01
B2 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
Written-By – Steven Moss, Weldon Irvine
3:38
B3 Since You Been Away So Long
Written-By, Arranged By – Don Blackman
5:11
B4 Never Miss A Thing
Written-By, Arranged By [Music, Horns] – Don Blackman
Label: Arista GRP – GRP 5509
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul, Funk, Disco
Don Blackman’s 1982 self-titled debut is a revered, cult-classic blend of funk, jazz-fusion, and soul, celebrated for sophisticated, "grown folks" grooves. Despite low initial sales, this 8-track masterpiece is now considered a cornerstone of 1980s rare groove, featuring legendary drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Barry Johnson.
The album is noted for its high-caliber playing, featuring renowned drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Barry "Sonjohn" Johnson. Critics highlight the "grown folks chords" and intricate polyrhythms as evidence of Blackman’s technical genius.
Essential Tracks: "Holding You, Loving You" (a 2-step gem often cited as a favorite by artists like Pharrell Williams), "Heart's Desire," "Yabba Dabba Doo," and "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide".
The album features complex harmonies, deep basslines, and a blend of jazz technicality with funk sensibility. It is highly regarded for its "grown folks chords," providing a smooth, melodic, yet danceable vibe.
Although it was his only solo release during that era, the album is recognized as a masterpiece, with original vinyl copies becoming rare and highly coveted collector's items. The album is a staple for sampling in hip-hop, having been used by artists such as Jay-Z, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Madlib.
This album is frequently cited as one of the best, most essential, and funkiest albums of the 1980s, combining high-class musicianship with soulful, memorable songs.