John Blair was an innovative instrumentalist and composer whose experimental approach to string instruments left a mark on 1970s jazz-funk and psychedelic music. Best known for inventing the Vitar—a hybrid acoustic instrument merging violin and guitar capabilities—Blair pushed the boundaries of traditional instrumentation in contemporary music. His distinctive sound appeared on sought-after psych-funk releases throughout the early 1970s, with recordings on respected labels including Mercury, Columbia, and CTI.
Blair's work bridged classical training with funk and jazz sensibilities, creating textural contributions that influenced the era's exploratory electronic and fusion movements. His instrumental innovations and willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds made him a notable figure in 1970s alternative music, with his recordings remaining of interest to collectors and musicians exploring vintage funk and psychedelic influences.