Johnny J. Blair is an American singer-songwriter. His influences range from Ray Davies, Brian Wilson, Smokey Robinson, David Bowie and Elvis Costello to Stravinsky, Gershwin, and Boyce and Hart. He is known for his innovative brand of pop, a fast-paced mix of old-school soul, psychedelia, punk/new wave, and the melodicism of classical, gospel, jazz, and world beat. Spotlight Magazine dubbed him "the Harry Houdini of rock 'n' roll" for his "escape from typecasts."
Blair's artistic vocabulary is influenced by The Bible, classic comedy (Charlie Chaplin, Marx Brothers) the poetry of T.S. Eliot, and the writings of Raymond Chandler, Graham Greene, and John Steinbeck. Common subjects are metropolitan allegories, apocalyptic justice, surreal road trips, and offbeat nostalgia.
Blair's concert set includes originals joined to covers from glam rock to Motown to show tunes to spirituals. Besides making music for comic books and documentaries, he has collaborated with and produced a variety of artists.
He is currently the touring bassist for former Monkee Davy Jones.
His most recent album is Grateful, released by Wampus Multimedia in 2007.
Read more about Johnny J. Blair: Selected Discography
Famous quotes containing the words johnny and/or blair:
“I’m not here for your amusement. You’re here for mine.”
—John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten)
“The Sound of battle fell upon my ear & heart all day yesterday—even after dark the cannon’s insatiate roar continued ...”
—Elizabeth Blair Lee (1818–?)