The year was 1952.  The city was Detroit, Michigan.  Isaiah “Lil Shoot” Jones, Wilson DeShields and Leo Coney decided to form a gospel quartet group.  They would come to be known as The Violinaires.  From this humble beginning the world was introduced to the greatest gospel group to sing God’s praises.  Know for their high falsetto background and lead singers, the group would make an indubitable mark on gospel music.   

Shortly afterwards, they were bless with a great talent in the person of Willie Banks. He would become their first lead singer. He remained with the group for a short time before he moved on to form his own group. In the early sixties, they were blessed with another powerfully talented lead singer, Robert Blair. That was over 30 years ago and the last time he sang he was still powerful. His unique style along with their high, sweet, falsetto voices in the background has become the signature of the Violinaires.

In the early sixties, they were blessed with another powerfully talented lead singer, Robert Blair. That was over 30 years ago and the last time he sang he was still powerful. His unique style along with their high, sweet, falsetto voices in the background has become the signature of the Violinaires. In the latter part of the sixties, another extraordinary talent was added to the group. Charles Brown's exceptional voice and style would enhance an already super group. After a lengthy absence from the group, he has returned to them as a lead singer and he has also been called to the ministry.

Some members early on were, Wilson Pickett (of secular fame) Rev. J.C. Smith (Smitty), Cleophus Tilman, Jim Byers, Murray "Bud" Durhan, Rick Wilson, Elder James McCurdy, J. J. Hawkins, Frank Thompson, David Battle and others played a tremendous part in establishing this group. Many have come and gone, but the Violinaires are still together. In 1965, they recorded their first album, "Stand By Me," for Chess Records which propelled them to the top of Gospel Music Charts all over the country. They recorded 12 albums during their affiliation with that label.  The group also recorded for Jewel Records, Atlanta International Records, Paula Records, Prominence Records, MALACO, and MELENDO Records. 

They remained on the gospel charts constantly until early 1970. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones also wrote for the group during that time. They have been very fortunate in recording for some of the top labels in the industry. In 1972, they recorded for Jewel Records.  In 1983, they recorded for Malaco Records, under the leadership of (the late) Frank Williams.  In 1988, they moved to Atlantic International Records (AIR), where they recorded one of their biggest selling records, "The Pink Tornado", which again made the record charts nationwide. In 1992, they recorded for Paula Records. There they showcased the spectacular talents of Danny Walker's Fantastics, a solo album featuring the Violinaires. The Violinaires have showcased many talents and many groups have formed within the ranks.

Jessy McDaniel left to form his own group and The popular "Everreadys" with Jerome and Freddy Williams all sang with the Violinaires. Down through the years the group have performed at all types of musical gatherings. From Church Concerts to Jazz festivals throughout the United States. They have also performed at major concert halls and civic centers with such gospel greats as Shirley Caesar, Rev. James Cleveland and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, to name a few. They have also performed with Sam and Dave, The Manhattans and other popular music artists. In 1997, the Violinaires signed with Prominence Records, and have recently released their latest CD, "Live In Atlanta".

The group has gone through several name changes, from The Violinaires, The Fantastic Violinaires, The Violinaires featuring Robert Blair, Robert Blair and The Violinaires, to Robert Blair and The Fantastic Violinaires.  No matter what name was used by the group, there was one constant – the incomparable falsetto background and lead singers. The group never lost their ability to take harmonizing to a level that would rarely, if ever, be matched by any other group.     

Some of the group’s most noted recordings were Doctor Jesus, I Got So Much To Shout About, Three Pictures on The Wall, A Simple Prayer, I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To, Coming Up Through The Years, The Lord’s Prayer, and Children Are You Ready.  Many of the group’s early recordings are still being played on the airways today.

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To book The Fantastic Violinaires

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Pastor David Battle at (704) 524-8902 

Dwight "Tito" Arthur at (864) 462-3118

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