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John Blake Jr. facts for kids

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John Blake Jr.
Born (1947-07-03)July 3, 1947
South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died August 15, 2014(2014-08-15) (aged 67)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres Jazz
Occupation(s) Violinist
Instruments Violin
Associated acts Grover Washington Jr., McCoy Tyner

John Edward Blake Jr. (born July 3, 1947 – died August 15, 2014) was a very talented American jazz violinist. He grew up in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John Blake Jr. was famous for his unique way of playing the violin in the jazz style.

He often played as a "sideman." This means he was a key musician in other artists' bands. He worked with well-known jazz stars like Grover Washington Jr. in the late 1970s. He also played with McCoy Tyner in the early 1980s. Besides playing with others, John Blake Jr. also led his own music groups. He passed away in 2014.

John Blake Jr.'s Music Journey

John Blake Jr. was known for his amazing skill on the violin. He helped create many memorable jazz recordings. His music journey included playing with many different artists.

Playing with Other Musicians

John Blake Jr. was a sought-after musician. He played on many albums with other famous jazz artists. Some of the notable musicians he worked with include:

He added his special violin sound to their songs. This helped make their music even better.

Albums as a Leader

Besides playing with others, John Blake Jr. also released his own albums. These albums showed off his unique style and musical ideas. Some of his albums include:

  • Maiden Dance (1984)
  • Twinkling of an Eye (1985)
  • Rhythm & BLU (1986)
  • Adventures of the Heart (1987)
  • A New Beginning (1988)
  • Quest (1992)
  • Motherless Child (2010)

These albums allowed him to share his own musical stories with the world.

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