John F. Blair

John (The Vitar Master), Its been 1 year since you left this planet..
I had the pleasure to meet you on January 28, 2005 - you seeked me out at a legends of the blues tower instore/concert... I remember that day fondly as you greeted the legends as an equal.. May you recreate the gleaming smiles you shared with Little Milton, etc over and over again creating music in heaven. For the next 15 months we developed a friendship, we nurtured each other along lifes winding roads, for a new...

I remember John well from Gompers Jr. High and Lincoln High School. He actually asked me to the A.S.B. Ball when I was in the 10th grade and he was in the 11th grade. I felt truly honored because he was such an amazing and musically talented young man and obviously grew into an even more amazing man. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to date in the 10th grade so I had to respectfully decline but I've NEVER forgotten his beauty and the gentle soul soul that he possessed throughout his life. ...

John was an excellent musician, even at Gompers Junior High School. He was a classmate and fellow graduate in the Class of 1961 at Lincoln High School in San Diego, the only high school in the country that can boast two Super Bowl MVP's among its graduates. Even so, John was special and will be missed by all who heard his music, though it was sometimes to a different drummer.
Dave McIntosh

I'm a Brazilian (Rio de Janeiro-born) singer and a huge fan of John's work since I was still in my teens and listened to that wonderful recording he did with Esther Phillips (I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do) on her "Capricorn Princess" album. That version has a magical feeling, a spell, it's really sublime.
Then, sometime later I listened to Blair's vitar once again on a Lalo Schifrin's album and also got his solo album for CTI, "We Belong Together", which I treasure.
For years I...

I remember John playing the vitar and violin at the late night session at Birdland, and he was soulful and brilliant. We rode with him in a limo to his gig at the Latin Quarter club and he looked amazing in his white tux and played like a genius. I remember the excitement of finding a vocal album with his picture on the cover in a record store in Midtown Manhattan. He used to practice sometimes to the music on the radio. I enjoyed his stories about his life and people he knew. John was always...

Never had I known a man like John !
The music he could make was different and awesome.
You loved to laugh, step out and look good.
I loved your Mom, our conversations and the one time we met.
Sometimes you needed to kick a tree, because life and the music business was frustrating.
To ride that bike all over town in all weather, because there was a Gig in sight and a chance to play the Vitar.
The Vitar was truly the love of your life and also controlled all else.
I...

John and I met in the 1960's when I worked as a Bartender in many jazz clubs. He was teaching Karate and playing jazz violin which to me was fantastic. He was a warm and good person that I really enjoyed seeing and talking to. We lost touch many years ago but I never forgot his first television apperance with his violin and karate demonstration. John, thanks for the wonderful memories. Rest in peace my friend. May Jazz live forever, Bill Cherry.

Dr. J: You are not gone but just moved on to a better place to play your music. You will always be remembered in my heart. Remember the many times you lifted my spirits as I did for you. No matter what, personally, I’ve named the bench at 68th Street after you, where I saw you the most and where we sat and talked. Each time we ran into each other, you always brought a smile to my face, greeted me with a big smile, a hug and followed by something comical. I enjoyed our conversations...

Sorry to hear that another member of our family has passed. Peace and Blessings to you all.