The Delta Rhythm Boys were an American vocal group active from 1934 to 1987.[1]
The group was formed at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, in 1934 by Carl Jones, Traverse Crawford, Otha Lee Gaines, and Kelsey Pharr.[1] They moved to Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1936 and worked there under Frederick Hall as the Frederick Hall Quintet and the New Orleans Quintet.[1]
They performed on radio programs such as Amos and Andy and The Joan Davis Show, and performed on Broadway in the shows Sing Out the News and Hot Mikado.[1] The group appeared extensively in 15 films.[2] They resettled permanently in Europe in 1956.[1]
Lee Gaines died of cancer in Helsinki, Finland on July 15, 1987.[3][4] At Gaines's funeral (on July 22, 1987), Hugh Bryant collapsed while performing, and died, apparently from a heart attack.[5]
Personnel
Bass
- 1934–1987: Lee Gaines
First tenor
- 1934–1944: Elmaurice Miller
- 1940–1944: Clinton Holland
- 1944–1960: Carl Jones (died September 21, 2010)[6]
- 1960–1974: Herb Coleman (died June 12, 1974)[7]
- 1974–1987: Walter Trammell
Second tenor
- 1934–1975: Traverse Crawford
- 1975–1987: Ray Beatty
Baritone
- 1934–1940: Joseph "Essie" Adkins
- 1940–1943: Harry Lewis
- 1943–1960: Kelsey Pharr (died April 20, 1961)[8]
- 1951–1954: Cliff Holland (temporary replacement for Pharr)
- 1962–1987: Hugh Bryant[4]
Pianist
- 1934–1987: Rene DeKnight (died January 24, 2004.)[9]
References
External links
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