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The Dells
American R&B vocal group / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dells were an American R&B vocal group. Formed in high school in 1953 by founding members Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Michael and Lucius McGill, under the name the El-Rays.[1] They released their first recording in 1954 and two years later had their first R&B hit with "Oh What a Night".[1] After disbanding due to a near-fatal car crash in 1958, the band re-formed in 1960 with Funches being replaced by Johnny Carter.[1] This lineup remained together until Carter's death in 2009.[2] In 2004 the Dells were inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame[3] and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.[4] The group performed until illness forced longtime lead singer Marvin Junior and bass vocalist Chuck Barksdale into retirement, ending the group's 60-year run.
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The Dells | |
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![]() The Dells in 1967: (Top row, L-R): Michael McGill, Marvin Junior, Verne Allison. (Bottom row, L-R): Chuck Barksdale, Johnny Carter. | |
Background information | |
Also known as | The El-Rays, The Mighty Dells |
Origin | Harvey, Illinois, U.S. |
Genres | R&B, doo-wop, soul |
Years active | 1953–2012 |
Labels | Cadet/Chess, Vee-Jay, Mercury, ABC, 20th Century Fox, Ichiban, Virgin, Philadelphia International, Volt |
Past members | Marvin Junior Verne Allison Michael McGill Chuck Barksdale Johnny Funches Lucius McGill Johnny Carter |
Website | Themightydells.com |