The Man Behind the Music
Adam Blackstone sat down with the good people over at Billboard to discuss the importance of hiring a Music Director
When we’re prepping for a tour or concert, we’re thinking of a linear space. How does song one transition into song two, all the way through to song 16?” says Blackstone. “With virtual shows, you’re thinking about one song only, and what experience do I want to tell during this one song so that it stays on your mind?”
Check out the full interview HERE!
Brueggemann: I think what we do between Lenny, Leon [Pendarvis], and myself, it’s really unlike any other television show. We got a taste of what our fellow nominees go through in 2018 when we music-directed the Emmy awards. A lot of times the music direction nominees are from award shows or the Super Bowl or something like that, but what we do at SNL is really a different animal. It’s such a tight ship and everything is created, start to finish, from Tuesday to Saturday, so it’s a total honor being nominated alongside all of these amazing musical directors. I’ve always felt that what we do is not easily compared to what an Adam Blackstone does for the Super Bowl; it’s a completely different gig.
Check out the rest of Eli Brueggemann’s interview on Below the Line
As a father of two, how does he stay sane at home? And how the hell does he get any work done? He answered these questions and more, his demeanor always warm, candid and open. Maybe, like me, you’ve watched this 2007 video on repeat, marveling at the stank in the sauce. Maybe you dropped a comment on this one like, “Whatever the bassist did was enough to put me in the grave.” Perhaps you’ve only heard Adam Blackstone’s musical alchemy unconsciously, in a packed stadium or on your own couch, bringing light to a disquieting world.
Check out the full article HERE and his interview below!
This year, Adam Blackstone had one of the more unique challenges in the history of the Super Bowl halftime show. The music director was tasked with designing a setlist for not one but two headliners: Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. For his work, Blackstone was just nominated for an Emmy, his second for Best Music Direction. “I was charged with the task to make their condensed time of a show feel like a headlining moment for each of them,” says Blackstone in an exclusive new webchat with Gold Derby. “So I think that was one of the biggest initial mental and creative challenges right off the bat.”
For the full interview, click HERE!!!
Apple is moving into the competition space with a country music talent contest exec produced by Reese Witherspoon.
The streamer has ordered My Kind of Country from Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, country music manager Jason Owen, and The Masked Singer showrunner Izzie Pick Ibarra. Adam Blackstone, musical director for stars including Justin Timberlake and Tim McGraw, will serve as musical director of the series, which will also be executive produced by Done + Dusted.
There’s few details about the format of the show, although Apple said that it would bring a “fresh, new documentary sensibility” to the music competition genre and aim to “break down” cultural and musical barriers in country music.
For the full press release click HERE!!
We’ve teamed up with MusiCares & Charity Buzz as they launch exclusive experiences with some of today’s top artists, including #BBE CEO, Adam Blackstone!!!
All proceeds benefit a safety net of critical assistance for #music people in times of need.
For the full article and more information, please click HERE!!
The passing of Democratic Representative John Lewis left the nation in mourning. His contribution to the civil rights movements not only changed the way we see the world, but also how we live in it.
It was only fitting to produce a star-studded event dedicated to and in honor of Rep. John Lewis
BASSic Black Entertainment CEO, Adam Blackstone, was musical director for a few of the night’s performances. Check a few clips of their performances below!
🎶But I know change is gonna come🎶
— CBS (@CBS) August 4, 2020
John Lewis: Celebrating a Hero PerformanceWy and Yolanda Adams“I’m not tired yet”#CBS
Posted by Hallee Renee on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Congratulations to our CEO, Adam Blackstone, on your 2020 Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Music Direction for the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show Starring Jennifer Lopez And Shakira on FOX!
It takes a team and we are extremely grateful for ours!!
Thank you to our Team BBE Family for another great Super Bowl performance!!
While we are unable to gather in large crowds due to the spread of COVID-19, BET Awards producer Jesse Collins had to get creative with the years awards show presentation!
With the help of today’s top artists and host, Amanda Seales, the show came together masterfully and set the bar for future virtual shows to come!
Adam Blackstone, BASSic Black Entertainment CEO, was on hand to musically direct a few performances for the show!
Check out videos from the performances of Kierra Sheard and Wayne Brady below!
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has brought large gatherings to a screeching halt! That didn’t stop The Roots from putting on their annual picnic full of performances from your favorite artists and surprise guests such as Michelle Obama!
Adam Blackstone, BASSic Black Entertainment CEO, was Musical Director!
Check out a clip of some of the performance below!