[3] In the mid-1960s, Blythe was part of the Underground Musicians and Artists Association (UGMAA), founded by Horace Tapscott, on whose 1969 The Giant Is Awakened he made his recording debut.

[4] Blythe's group – John Hicks, Fred Hopkins and Steve McCall – played Carnegie Hall and the Village Vanguard in 1979.

Albums such as The Grip and Metamorphosis (both on the label) demonstrated Blythe's maturity as well as his ability to play in both free and traditional contexts with a fully-developed personal style.

Blythe was a member of the all-star jazz group The Leaders and joined the World Saxophone Quartet after the departure of Julius Hemphill.

[7][8] With Synthesis With The Leaders With Roots With Santi Debriano and Billy Hart With Jeff Palmer, John Abercrombie, Victor Lewis With David Eyges and Bruce Ditmas With John Abercrombie, Terri Lyne Carrington, Anthony Cox, Mark Feldman, Gust Tsilis With Barry Altschul With Joey Baron With Lester Bowie With Jack DeJohnette With Gil Evans With John Fischer With Chico Freeman With Chico Hamilton With Craig Harris With Julius Hemphill With Azar Lawrence With the Music Revelation Ensemble With Woody Shaw With Horace Tapscott With Gust William Tsilis & Alithea With McCoy Tyner With the World Saxophone Quartet