Remembering Maine Music Legend JD Drown Of The Blend

Calling all Friends of the Blend. Today we remember the great James 'JD' Drown on the 18th anniversary of his passing. JD is best recalled as the visionary front man for the legendary Maine and New Hampshire band, The Blend (originally White Mountain National Blend).

The fun loving photo of above JD and Andrew Govatsos from management was taken in Miami circa 1978 when The Blend were opening for Pat Travers. They also had the honor of being the first band to play at the (then brand new) Cumberland County Civic Center in March of 1977 opening for ZZ Top.

James Drown was born in Arundel on February 22, 1947. The prolific Maine singer, songwriter, guitar player and loving family man died on December 3, 2002.

In the Seventies, these Kennebunkport and Fryeburg country rockers were the #1 bar band around before signing with MCA Records in 1978. Their music was such a huge part of growing up in Maine for most of us over 50 kids.

40 something years ago, we fondly recall a magical time when The Blend along with contemporaries like Bill Chinnock proved that artists from Maine could make it to the national stage. Back in the day, the pioneering WBLM DJs were fully committed to exposing these great local artists in the mix with the likes of Skynyrd, Zeppelin, and Aerosmith

We remain proud of our history with The Blend and are more than happy to get their great songs on the air today when Blimpsters call for them. And believe us when we say, they still do!

Watch this emotional salute to raise awareness of the Rusty Rocket Foundation and share JD's legacy. It was produced by friend and forever fan, Paul Tukey of Falmouth. You'll hear from some the people who were closest to JD. We are honored that some of it was shot here at the WBLM studios.

The best way to pay tribute to JD is by supporting the ongoing fundraising effort to get instruments into the hands of school aged kids with the Rusty Rocket Foundation. Thank you JD, he will forever be in our hearts here in Blimpville. All our love to his family.