The Violinaires have been an institution in Gospel music since the early 1950s. With Detroit, MI roots, The Violinaires were founded by Isaiah “Lil’ Shot” Jones, Wilson DeShields, and Leo Coney. Wilson Pickett joined the Violinaires for a brief period, then went solo to become a soul music superstar. New members added to the group were Willie Banks and Robert Blair, who led the group until his death in 2001, when he was replaced by pastor Danny Walker. By the ’80s, The Violinaires became The Fantastic Violinaires, signed to Malaco Records.
Fast forward to today, over seventy years of writing, performing, and ministering great Gospel and Gospel quartet classics and hits, and after a few variations on the group’s name, they are now known by The Fantastik Violinaires and are still making their mark in Gospel music. Today, The Fantastik Violinaires group members are Danny Walker, Wesley Hill, Lamont McDowell, RaShane Hayes, Brandon McDowell, Jerry Hasberry, and Rashaun Hayes. These gentlemen have released an all new single, “Call On Him.”
“Call On Him” was originally written in the late ’60s (writer unknown), addressing the many different religions surfacing during that time. The writer wanted to emphasize that the song they were singing represented a group who truly believed in the one Jesus Christ. Executive producer Lamont McDowell says, “We revamped and released the song today for the same reasons and purpose of the song’s original intent. Many more religions exist today, but we continue to represent and serve the only risen Savior.”
The Fantastik Violinaires want listeners to experience the authenticity of the song and the clear message that in times of trouble, distress, opposition, or whatever it may be, you can Call On Him—Jesus Christ.
“Call On Him” is a soul-energizing song that blends the old-school sound of The Violinaires with the fresh new sound of quartet. The single is arranged by McDowell and Wesley Hill and produced by McDowell, Rashane and Rashaun Haynes. “Call On Him” is available now on all digital music outlets and is released by the independent label Millennium Sound Records.
