Bobby Dean Blackburn is a revolutionary blues, rock, and gospel singer, known for ushering through fellow Black Canadians into the Toronto music scene. A descendant of the underground railroad, his great-great-grandfather, Elias Earls, took the path from Kentucky to its northern head in Owen, Sound, Ontario. There, he met local woman Sarah Woods and they became the first mixed race couple in the town, often threatened by the Klu-Klux-Klan and community members.

His family had many ‘firsts’, with Blackburn known as the ‘first Black entertainer’ on Younge St. His band The Gems, began playing while he was still in school, winning a local talent contest and playing at the school’s dance. He was threatened with expulsion for playing ‘rock n’ roll’, which went against the school morals. He left at 16, his band continued to play and they landed a gig at the Zanzibar a Go-Go, an iconic and popular hub for jazz and blues musicians. As his band was all white, he was then dubbed as the first Black entertainer to play on Younge St. Blackburn has played all over Canada, including cruise tours in Alaska, singing in gospel choirs, and on television, but he knows the Zanzibar will always be home.

It would not be until 2010 that Blackburn would release his first debut album, Don’t Ask… Don’t Tell. The album featured fellow Canadian hard-hitters including Liberty Silver, and his sons’ band, ‘Blackburn’. He boasts of his pride for the Juno-nominated band his sons’ have created. He notes that the high-light of his career is when he plays alongside them.

Blackburn is highly respected for breaking barriers at every corner. He is also the first Black hockey coach in Mississauga, being inducted into the Mississauga Hall of Fame in 2016. His sons’ are proud of his legacy and know that many people would not have the opportunity they have had, without him.

Returning back to school in his late 50’s, Blackburn earned his high-school diploma and his graduating class crowned him Valedictorian.

Like a fine wine, age does not hold him back, it only heightens his depth.