Just like his son John junior (currently a touring drummer with Prince), John Blackwell senior had a strong groove and powerful approach to any style of music. It earned him the nickname \"Pocket Man\".

Blackwell senior was well respected in the drumming community.

He always surrounded himself with great musicians, many of whom became close friends, including the late, great drummer Yogi Horton.

The artists John senior performed with include the Drifters, King Curtis, Joe Simon, J.J. Jackson, Joe Tex, Mary Wells, Cornelius Crawford, and the Mighty Mellow Tones, a New York City house-band rhythm section who backed many groups in the recording studio.