Ben Blackwell

Ben Blackwell is a key figure in the Detroit garage rock scene, best known as one of the drummers for the acclaimed band The Dirtbombs since 1999. Born in Detroit in 1982, he is also a record label executive, writer, and archivist with deep roots in the city’s music culture. Blackwell founded Cass Records, which has released music from notable indie bands, and he serves as the official archivist for The White Stripes, preserving the legacy of one of Detroit’s most iconic rock acts. Beyond performing and archiving, he plays a crucial role at Third Man Records in Nashville, where he oversees vinyl manufacturing and distribution, helping shape the resurgence of analog music formats.

Ben’s diverse talents extend to journalism, where he has earned recognition for his writing on music history and culture. He is well-regarded not only for his musicianship but also for his encyclopedic knowledge of vinyl production and Detroit’s vibrant rock legacy. As a co-founder and minority owner of Third Man Records, Ben Blackwell continues to be an influential figure bridging the past and present of American garage rock.

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