1945–1981
Biography · Music
Ed Blackwell
1929–1992
United States
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Biography
Edward Joseph Blackwell (October 10, 1929 – October 7, 1992) was an American jazz drummer, best known for his work with saxophonist Ornette Coleman. Blackwell first came to national attention as a member of Coleman's quartet around 1960, when he took over for Billy Higgins during a residency at the Five Spot Café in Manhattan. Blackwell became a pioneering free jazz drummer, fusing New Orleans and African rhythms with bebop.
Sources & collection details
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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13
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1925–2003
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