Dream becomes a reality for Blackmore

Music has been a big part of Chris Blackmore's life for a long time.

"I learned to play the piano when I was 7 years old," Blackmore said. "Being part of a musical family, everyone either played an instrument or sang."

Blackmore, a 1992 Bloomfield High School graduate who grew up in rural Scotland, has taken his musical talents to a new level. He recently produced his first "radio quality" CD.

"My dream of putting out a radio quality CD is finally turning into a reality. The title track is called 'As My New Life Begins'," Blackmore explained.

"It is one of four gospel songs included on the album. This song has won two awards: The people's choice award and the HillTop Award from the HillTop Records online songwriter's music festival in 2011.

"Other songs include wedding songs I wrote and performed, country and one patriotic song that was written as a tribute to our (military) troops."

Blackmore started writing songs when he was a teenager with help from his neighborhood friends.

"We started a band in the early 1990s. We all had a Rural Route 2 address near our hometown of Scotland so it was only fitting that we call ourselves R.R.2," Blackmore said.

He added that when he writes or sings a song, he keeps his audience in mind.

"Not only do I want to connect to the song, but I want people to be able to connect with my music in their own way as well," Blackmore said. "I hope my music is uplifting to those who hear it."

Blackmore is married and has two children, and he currently lives in Mitchell. He works as an inventory specialist at Crane.

He's a former police officer and basketball coach. When he lived in Odon he helped coach boys basketball at North Daviess, and he was the junior varsity basketball coach at White River Valley from 2006-09.

Blackmore graduated from Vincennes University in 1996 with a bachelor of science degree in law enforcement.

His parents are Brenda Massette and Lou Massette (step-dad) of Scotland, and Gary Blackmore of rural Scotland.

To learn more about Blackmore's career and current CD, visit the website http://blackmoremusic.com . You can purchase his CD at Markle Music in Linton or Bloomfield IGA.

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmaily.com or by telephone at 847-4487.