She released her debut as a bandleader in 1988. Blackman started to work with Lenny Kravitz in 1993. She has released 12 albums, mostly as collaborations. She has performed with Pharaoh Sanders, Ron Carter, Cassandra Wilson, Sam Rivers, Buckethead, Angela Bofill, Joe Henderson, and Bill Laswell. She recorded the drum teaching video Multiplicity in 1997. She cites Tony Williams as her main drumming influence. Cindy married musician Carlos Santana in 2010 and tours with his band.
