Ellis Eugene Blacknell Sr.

Ellis Eugene (Gino) Blacknell, Jr was born on a Sunday on October 18 to Ellis Eugene and Lillie Ann Blacknell in Oakland, California. He was the first child and only son born of this union. He attended St. John’s the Baptist School in El Cerrito, Salesians High School, and graduated from Albany High School. Gino was raised to be a musician. Not only did he follow his father’s footsteps, but he led Eugene Blacknell and The New Breed into a new era that fused funk, blues, and hip hop. Gino began dancing at his father’s shows on stage at 3 years old, then loaded and unloaded equipment for Eugene Blacknell and the New Breed and by 8th grade had earned the spot as bass player in the band Eugene Blacknell and The New Breed.

Gino loved all forms of music, especially if it was “funky”. He played drums, bass guitar, guitar, and moved to keyboards all at a young age. He performed with many Bay Area artists, and has written and produced music for countless artists in the music industry.

Gino met and married Yolanda Blacknell and to this union was born a daughter, Alicia Nicole, and son, Gino Ellis (Lil’ Gino). Gino was a devoted father and papa. He would do anything for Alicia and Gino and spent every minute he had available with his grandchildren. He’d cook meals for Alicia and write her love notes to surprise her before she left for work. He’d send Gino encouraging texts, give advice, and hook him up with the latest programming and equipment. Gino would take the grandkids to get ice cream, play games, and just sit and talk and watch them play until he fell asleep on the couch. Gino was devoted to his family and was always willing to help out a friend.

Gino passed his musical gift on to his son, Gino, and began teaching his grandchildren. The legacy of music carries on with his children Alicia and Gino; grandchildren Alexia, Lyla, Derek’quan, Ahmani, Giovonni, and grand-dogson Hershey, who will all cherish and share his memory.

Cards for the family can be sent to PO Box 641 El Cerrito, CA 94530