Cindy was born in Ohio, and raised in Connecticut. She began her musical career in New York as a street performer. She attended Berklee College of Music for three semesters in Boston, Massachusetts. There she also studied with Alan Dawson, a legendary teacher. Cindy first moved to New York City during the 1980’s. Since then, millions have seen her perform with her own band and with Lenny Kravitz (revival funk rocker) for 11 years. Cindy’s first instructional video on drumming, “Multiplicity”, was released by Warner Brothers in 1998. The Star-Gazette has called Cindy “one of the most popular drummers in business” and she is widely regarded as one the best drummers worldwide. She is a reliable, solid drummer who can effortlessly switch from straight-ahead jazz and rock to funk and back. She’s maintained the backbeat and provided texture to a “Who’s Who” of jazz musicians: Jackie McLean (Joe Henderson), Don Pullen, Hugh Masekela. Pharaoh Sanders, Sam Rivers. Angela Bofill. Bill Laswell. Buckethead. Cindy released “Works on Canvas”, her latest solo album, in 2000. In 2004, she released “Someday”, her seventh solo album. “Some drummers react, while others act. Some keep time, some create it. Mike Zwerin, International Herald Tribune, says Cindy Blackman is one of few ….”. Listen to Works On Canvas, her latest album featuring J.D. Allen-Tenor Saxophone and Carlton Holmes-Piano/Fender Rhodes will convince you. Talking Drum stated, “You can rest assured that Ms. Blackman is around for a long while to come. She’s thunder.” She is fire. She is fire. She is passionate. Cindy Blackman is her name. Cindy says that the life of music is more than us all. Cindy was on tour in July 2010 with Carlos Santana, Blackman’s boyfriend. In July 2010, Cindy received a proposal from Carlos Santana, a Latin rock legend. They were engaged when she accepted. From www.drummerworld.com
