The Versatiles

Winston-Salem’s own sonic artists, The Versatiles, originally formed in 1965 with six

members, eventually growing to nine, and were the only band in Winston-Salem at that

time to include both black and white musicians. The band was extremely popular during

their heyday, playing country clubs, proms, school events, the Dixie Classic Fair, private

parties and local entertainment venues.

The Versatiles played as backup band for Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin’s sister

when they appeared locally and were finalists on Ted Mack and the Original Amateur

Hour. Following a win at a battle of the bands at Bowman Gray Stadium, The Versatiles

were given a session at Copeland Studios in Greensboro, where they produced a

record titled “Oh Yeah” with a flip side “Where Did You Go?”

Two of the band’s original members went on to attend the Berklee College of Music in

Boston and became professional musicians. Three of the band’s original members have

passed away, but four original members remain and new members have been added

allowing the group to reform after a hiatus and revive their repertoire of music. The band

remains diverse with a range of ages.

The band performs a variety of smooth jazz, R&B, beach and rock. Playing hits by

various artists to include Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington, The

Temptations, Otis Redding, The Average White Bank, Stevie Wonder, Chicago and

others will have you toe tapping, swaying to the beat - and maybe even dancing.