John F. Blair

1943 - 2006
IMPROVISATIONAL VIOLINIST AND PERFORMER


John Franklin (Ellington) Blair passed away June 3, 2006 at age 62 in St. Albins Veteran's Hospital, New York of heart failure. He sometimes used the name Johnathon and used the nickname "Ellington" because he loved the music of Duke Ellington. A memorial was held Thursday, June 8, 2006 in the chapel at the VA Manhattan.

John was a performer, jazz violinist, and the only known regular performer of an instrument he fondly referred to as "Lady Vitar." The vitar - a combination violin, viola, and guitar is an electronic instrument shaped like a violin and with six strings. It was created by Lars Erickson in the late 1960's and was altered with an enhanced pickup by John.

Born November 8, 1943, John began taking music lessons and playing the violin as a child in San Diego, California. He was the eldest of nine children and never married or had children of his own. John graduated with honors from Lincoln High School and went on to study at the Eastman School of Music at Rochester University. Later he joined the Air Force and performed in the orchestra there.

During the 1960's he studied voice. In 1971 he performed on Alice Coltrane's "Universal Consciousness" album. Later he continued performing the violin and eventually obtaining his first recording contract with Columbia Records on an album entitled "Southern Love" produced by pianist John Lewis in the 1970's. During the 1970's he also recorded two more albums "Mystical Soul" and "We Belong Together." Some of the better individual songs John recorded were entitled "Sometimes a Man" and "A Southern Love." Both were successful on jazz radio stations.

John continued to conduct live performances but in the early 1980's took a sabbatical from music out of frustration with the business end of the music industry. Prior to that he had performed with many top-named artists and friends, including Hall and Oates' (Abandoned Luncheonette), Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, Roy Ayers, Roberta Flack, and James Brown. In the 1990's he again began performing live in various New York venues, often performing in Central Park and in midtown Manhattan.

After hip replacement surgery in December 2004, John's health began declining. He had been a former martial artist master. Nevertheless, despite an eccentric personality, and countless obstacles, John had an endearing spirit and brilliant musical inclinations. His musicianship and inspiration will live on.

The family would like to thank Chaplain Services at the VA Manhattan and countless personal and professional friends for their contributions in creating a wonderful tribute to his life during memorial services. To the people in the neighborhood of West 68th Street: Thank you for being his friends. To the veterans he loved to play for: God bless you.

Memorials, inquiries, and condolences may be sent to:

The Estate of John F. Blair
PO Box 25
Radio City Station, NY 10019