Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 3:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sara, my husband and I send our sincerest condolences.
We are shocked and almost speechless right now.
We are praying for you, and the family, and we will see you at the services.
We are so very sorry.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice man too who really helped put little Natchez on the map!

Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Alcorn State University Department of Fine Arts has suffered a great loss in the death of Dr. Blackburn. I was often amazed in Dr. Blackburn's ability to work with students to help them realize there potential through continous encouragement. Don't get me wrong, he was a perfectionist and required nothing less than perfection from the Alcorn State University Concert Choir, and this was evident whenever and wherever the choir performed.

Under Dr. Blackburn's guidance, the choir not only performed @ G, W Bush's inauguration and Carnegie Hall, but in many churches, schools and economically challenged areas both local and abroad. As Dr. Konecky stated, "He did things that most people wouldn’t think about doing".

Posted by mudd (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I offer my condolences to friends and family of Dr. Blackburn... His gifts to the comunity will not be forgotten. Thanks Dr.

Posted by emurphy33 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a singer who was lucky enough to be selected by Dr. B for participation in the Festival, I morn his loss. His positive attitude, his joy for life and for music, his uncanny ability to know when a singer fit a role, his love of fine voices, his joy in nurturing talent, will all be greatly missed. Thanks Dr. B.

Posted by lewis07 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

Dr. Blackburn’s first year at Alcorn State University was also my husband and I’s freshmen year. I learned so much under his leadership. Dr. Blackburn’s charisma, professionalism, ability to remain calm in the midst of chaos, and his sense of humor were model worthy. As a current choral music director, I look back on the years I spent in the choir and think… Wow Dr. Blackburn was a great man who accomplished so much! I can only hope to be as successful and loved as he was. We love you Dr. B!

Posted by GRichardson (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My family and I extend our sincerest sympathy to Mrs. Sara and the family...our prayers are with you all. I met Dr. B three years ago at our very first voice lesson together. Little did I know that I wouldn't be learning only about singing...every Thursday for three years, Dr. B taught me about the joy of living, the courage of conviction, the power of determination and trust, the meaning of true friendship, and the radiance of shining Christian love. I never saw Dr. B when he wasn't smiling about something; the gifts he brought to Natchez go far beyond the Festival of Music, as anyone who knew him personally will tell you. He didn't put up with foolishness and artistic perfection was his goal at all times; therefore, anyone who ever worked with him personally or professionally came out of the experience for the better. I will never forget, I came into a lesson one day feeling discouraged and confused, and he looked at me and said, "If nothing else I ever say, I want you to remember this: Music is a gift from God. If you ever feel burdened when you sing, whether technically or emotionally, then you're not feeling God's love. Let joy well up in you like a spring when you sing!" And in our last lesson, he told me, "Always be determined; never give up. God always opens a door." Well, as painful as it is to us to give up such a wonderful man, I can't help but feel that Dr. B wouldn't want us to bury ourselves in grief and sorrow when all he ever tried to spread was happiness. He'd want us to keep on trucking, and to keep on singing. And anyway, if Heaven thought it's Angelic choir sounded good allready, I can only imagine what it'll sound like once Dr. B takes the stand!! :D

Posted by rburke1 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a loss. I suppose the angels in heaven can now use Dr. Blackburn's voice. I had the opportunity to work with him in the past. One day he was looking at the auditorium at the old Bradon Elementary School. He was explaining how good the acoustics were in such places, that the singers didn't need microphones. I thought he was just a music director and not a singer. I asked him to show me. He opened his mouth and started singing. The man was right. He didn't need a microphone. His awesome voice resognated throughout the auditorium. I was lucky to have had that experience.

Posted by RichardBurke (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sara and family: I need not tell you what a great man David Blackburn was, because you know the greatness that brought on his accolades, I too have received such accolades, but you also know the personal greatness of a quiet man who knew the Lord deeply. To me Dr. B was not just my first voice teacher and musical mentor, but he was also my spiritual mentor. It is rare to find a man who can influence a life the way that Dr. B influenced my life, but I know my story is not unique, he touched so many in such important ways. During my studies with him, he became to me like a father. When I went on to sing professionally in Europe, Dr. B's teaching was there at the Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerischer Staatsoper, Spoleto, New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, and yes there in Natchez twice, once in Madama Butterfly and in I pagliacci and anywhere else I was fortunate enough to sing as he taught me to dream I could achieve. When I became a voice teacher, my students benefited from his legacy. Today, I had to cancel the scheduled voice lessons for the day, because I knew I could not teach without mentioning him because he is mentioned everyday when we talk of breathing, posture and support. I have in the past, as he did with me, have had to shut down many a lesson and talk out what was burdening the student that was standing in the way of the joy in music making. I also remember him saying, "When the soul is suffering or the body is sick and you don't feel like singing, don't." Today, I don't feel like singing or teaching. Tomorrow, I will go on, as he would have wanted. This afternoon, one of my former students had found out of Dr. B's passing and called to console me. I told her she was part of Dr. B's legacy and I expected her to past it on. When I became a conductor, I remembered his gentle but stern guiding hand that glides through the air with a grace that inspires heavenly singing and playing. In my singing, conducting and music making I try to emulate his uniqueness and attention to quality. Dr. B will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue on to make great music through my colleagues who were similarly touched and our students. The greatest compliment I can make, however is how his faith in Christ inspired me and many thousands. Dr. B. sing on, conduct on, minister on, you faithful servant of music and Christ.
In Christ love,
Richard Burke,
Abilene, Texas

Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Blackburn's passing. He brought live performances of beautiful music to Natchez, and in doing so brought great joy to me and to many others. I'm very thankful for that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sara, Lucy and David's family - I was so sorry to hear the news. David did so much for Natchez and Alcorn. The Opera Festival would not exist without him. I hope it can continue without him.

The Festival of Music provided live musical theater to thousands of students in this area - most of whom would have had little or no experience without the festival.

This is a sad day for Natchez.

Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on September 30, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can recall this one instance while eating at a resturant with Dr. Blackburn and the ASU Concert Choir, Dr. Blackburn stood up, went around to visit a few of the student tables, came back to a central location, lifted his hands and the choir started singing the 91st Psalm. With Dr. Blackburn, you never had any idea of what to expect.

Posted by Patrutland (anonymous) on September 30, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a blessing to read the comments of those who have been touched by this wonderful man. As I read GRichardson's memories of a voice lesson only two or three years ago, I thought of lessons he taught me over thirty years past. He was still changing lives after all those years. Amazing.
Dr. Blackburn's college students from the 70s still gather to honor him as often as we can--we've had several reunions where we've made music together with Dr. B conducting, and a few where we've just enjoyed each other's company. At one recent reunion, I moaned the infrequency of this great musical fellowship, saying to a friend, "Why have I had to wait twenty years to make music like this again?" He replied, "just think of all the people who've NEVER been a part of something like this. You should feel blessed."
"Blessed" doesn't begin to cover it. I am thankful beyond words for the gift of friendship and love that Dr. Blackburn has given throughout the years...and,yes, the gift of music. I'm looking forward to the day when I can join with him again singing praise to our "Eternal King."

Pat Rutland
Temple, Texas

Posted by skippydammit (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My Lord Knows The Way Through The Wilderness
All I Have To Do Is Follow....:)

David you are sorely missed.

Look forward to singing up there with you
when we join you in THE Hallelujah Chorus.

Godspeed my friend !

Posted by observer (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Among the many things that have been mentioned in the comments above, what stands out to me is David Blackburn's unswerving belief in his Risen Lord. This faith, and his joy in it, he imparted to others wherever and whenever he could. He brought new life and encouragement to the dwindling membership of his small church by leading the congregational singing with such enthusiasm and joy that those who may have been nodding off awoke and found themselves singing the Lord's praises! What a gift God had given him. And that gift David freely shared with all of us who were privileged to know and love him.

Posted by lisabrown (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the Blackburn family,
we are so sorry about your loss. We are praying for you during this time. To Britten, we appreciates all that you do for our children and please know that our prayers are with you now more than ever.
much love from Alabama, The Brown Family

Posted by SteveHarter (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Words cannot express the devastation I felt when I was called and told about the death of our beloved Dr. B. I have had the privilege of being his voice and conducting student for over 30 years. Even though I have been a professional church musician for 28 years, I always gladly accepted the position of "student" when in Dr. B's presence. I think we would all agree that when you were in his presence he could inspire you to do much more than you ever thought possible! I was so fortunate to have studied in my undergraduate degree with him at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and then in my graduate degree at Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tennessee. Another wonderful moment was watching Dr. B. give my son a voice lesson! The lessons Dr. B. taught me extend beyond music (as so many above have also stated). He taught his students life lessons as well. As Richard Burke also stated, I too, ask my students at the beginning of every lesson how they are doing. It makes a difference how they sing. I also resonate with Pat Rutland above about our Chanters reunions and the bond that has developed among those of us from the special "Blackburn Years" in Abilene. We have each one been blessed beyond words for having been in his presence and having had the opportunity to learn from a true master. I also agree that Dr. B. was a great spiritual mentor. The power of his Christian life influenced all with whom he came in contact. I can only imagine that when he arrived at the gates of heaven on Sunday evening (no doubt ready to conduct!) that the words spoken to him were "well done, thy good and faithful servant."
With all the love and respect a human being can offer,

Steve Harter
Minister of Music and Arts
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Posted by GRichardson (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As I read SteveHarter's post, I was reminded of my and Dr. B's pre-lesson routine...come in, say hello, spend a few minutes talking to each other about how the week went, and ask if the other one was doing allright, then proceed to the lesson. Last year, I had just gotten my driver's license and one day I drove up all by myself to my voice lesson. Dr. B came outside wearing a huge smile and said "I'm so proud of you, you drove yourself!" Noone else would have cared about that, but he did. It just goes to show you that Dr. B cared sincerely about everyone and everything.

Posted by ksasnett1 (anonymous) on October 6, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dearest Sara and family,

I'm still in shock. What a wonderful, caring, talented man who brought so much joy and love and music into people's lives. He will be so sorely missed, but no worries about where he is right now! If there was ever a man who was welcomed by the Heavens, it is he. My great dad was probably there to thank him for his kind service here on the earth and especially to his own children, Kathleen and Jim, whose lives he changed. Natchez simply won't be the same without him, but his legacy and influence will be felt in inumerable places and live on. May you feel the arms of our loving Heavenly Father around you at this most difficult time - this life is but a moment, and then we'll be together again with our loved ones...

Dr. Kathleen Sasnett
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania