Robert Earl Blair (August 6, 1930 – March 19, 2001), was an American gospel musician and leader of The Fantastic Violinaires originating from Detroit, Michigan from 1965 until his death. He started his music career, in 1965, with the release of Stand by Me by Checker Records. His album, The Pink Tornado, was released in 1988 by Atlanta International Records, and this was his breakthrough release upon the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. He released 30 albums over the course of his career.
Robert Blair | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Robert Earl Blair |
| Born | August 6, 1930 |
| Died | March 19, 2001 (aged 70) |
| Genres | Gospel, traditional black gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1965–2001 |
| Labels | Checker, Atlanta International, Malaco, Chess, Gospel Jubilee, Grammercy, Bounce, New Direction |
| Formerly of | The Fantastic Violinaires |
Early life
editBlair was born on August 6, 1930,[1] as Robert Earl Blair.[2]
Music career
editHis music recording career commenced in 1965, with the album, Stand by Me, and it was released by Checker Records.[3] He released an album in 1988 with Atlanta International Records, The Pink Tornado, and it was his breakthrough release upon the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart at No. 34.[4] His music career ended at his death in 2001, and by that time he released 30 albums with several labels.[3]
Personal life
editBlair died on March 19, 2001, of a heart attack.[5]
Discography
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions[4] |
|---|---|---|
| US Gos | ||
| The Pink Tornado |
|
34 |
References
edit- ^ Carpenter, Bil (2005). "Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia": 47–8.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Broadcast Music, Inc. "Songwriter/Composer: Blair Robert Earl". Broadcast Music, Inc. Archived from the original on April 30, 2015. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
- ^ a b AllMusic. "Robert Blair : Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ a b Billboard. "Robert Blair : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
- ^ Staff (March 22, 2001). "Robert Blair Passes". Gospel Flava. Retrieved April 30, 2015.