AllMusic noted that "although they may not have reached the same stature or popularity within the gospel music industry as modern day quartets the Jackson Southernaires or the Canton Spirituals, the late Robert Blair along with his group, the Fantastic Violinaires, yet carried a strong and loyal fan base. Blair is best remembered for his gruff, preacher-like vocal delivery, a close match sound- and quality-wise to Mighty Clouds of Joy lead vocal king Joe Ligon" and mentioned "the piercing falsetto background vocals of the Violinaires." [1] Peel listeners would have heard him play tracks from a couple of their LPs in the early 1970s, chiming with his enthusiasm at the time for anything related to soul, and Humble Pie covered Grooving With Jesus on their LP Thunderbox (1974). The track The Sound Of Christmas, which came from the "somewhat essential" Checker compilation A Christmas Dedication, also made occasional appearances in John's festive playlists.
Festive Fifty Entries
Sessions
- None
Other Shows Played
- 05 June 1973: 'All The Way (LP-The Upper Way)'
- 19 June 1973: 'Nobody Knows (LP-Spirit And Soul)' (Jewel)
- 26 June 1973: 'Condition (LP-Spirit And Soul)' (Jewel)
- 03 July 1973: 'Precious Lord (LP-Spirit And Soul)' (Jewel)
- 20 December 1978: 'The Sound Of Christmas (Compilation LP-A Christmas Dedication)' (Checker)
- 24 February 1999: 'Nobody Knows (LP-Spirit And Soul)' (Jewel)
- 11 March 1999 (Radio Eins): My Father Is Gone (album - Spirit And Soul) Jewel
- 08 December 1999: 'The Sound Of Christmas (Compilation LP-A Christmas Dedication)' (Checker)
