Some of you may know the name or remember jazz violinist-guitarist John Blair. Mr. Blair's influence stretched from his work with the late Noel Pointer, to contemporary artists such as Regina Carter.
His work was unusual and beautiful, and I was particularly mesmerized by his well known album, "Mystical Soul" and the tune from that collection, "Sometimes A Man" (goes through life . . .) - produced by Bob James.
Years passed, and no word about whatever happened to John Blair. (This note initially stated that there were claims of his being a Nephew of Duke Ellington, but that can not be substantiated).
About two years ago, I researched and came upon a website that explained he was homeless, and that this person was facilitating and keeping his work alive.
Thought about him again a couple of nights ago, thinking now I might find some music of his to share here - and tragically, this is what I found:
IMPROVISATIONAL VIOLINIST, JOHN BLAIR PASSES AWAY
June 3, 2006 -
Obituary by: Joyce E. Blair
New York, NY
June 3, 2006 -
Singer and violinist John Franklin Blair passed away on June 3, 2006 of heart failure. A song and sharing memorial service was conducted at the VA Medical Center Manhattan on Thursday, June 8, 2006. John is buried at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY. John was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 8, 1943, and is the eldest of nine children.
His mother was a classical pianist and he grew up in California and began taking violin lessons as a child, graduating with honors from Lincoln High School in San Diego in 1961.
He attended the Eastman School of Music for two years, and joined the Air Force as an instrumentalist in the orchestra. In the 1960's he began further developing his musical talent and accompanied many well-known artists eventually producing two vinyl albums, "Southern Love" and "Mystical Soul."
The song entitled "Sometimes a Man" did very well with jazz stations. In the 1970's he co-developed an instrument called the "Vitar," an acoustical combination violin and guitar.
Two vitars are in the possession of his family and display requests are being considered. Most recently John was attempting to renew his career by cutting another CD. He volunteered this year at the VA Medical Center Manhattan and performed for disabled veterans there.
I for one was a huge fan of John Blair's, literally playing the grooves off of his album. Condolences and all the best to John Blair's family and loved ones.
August, 2009
Just came across some of this man's work. Amazing.
(Mention which box, and your comment will hyperlink people back here)
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