Viola Watkins: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Edna McGriff
• Carol Fran
• Gloria Alleyne
• Gloria Mann
• Patti Jerome
• Della Reese

Genres:

Rock 'N' Roll Oldies Music, R&B and Soul Music, Classic R&B Music, Rock Music

Viola Watkins was one of the most prodigiously talented women to make the jump from rb to rock 'n roll. Starting out with Ebony in the mid-1940's, she later recorded for Super Disc, M-G-M Records, and Jubilee (where she left behind three top-notch singles, "There Goes My Heart," "It Must Be Love," and "Really Real") before coming to George Goldner's Rama label in 1953, where she cut "Seven Lonely Days" with the backing of the Crows, and "Real Fine Man" as a solo artist. Watkins was a triple-threat musically, with gifts as an arranger and pianist which helped get her heard far beyond the listenership of her own records--among other artists' release, Watkins played the piano on and co-arranged the Crows' hit single "Gee," thus giving her a permanent place in the pantheon of early rock 'n roll musicians.

- Bruce Eder, All Music Guide