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The Dells were an American R&B vocal group. Formed in high school in 1952 by founding members Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Mickey and Lucius McGill, under the name the El-Rays, they released their first recording in 1954, and two years later, had their first R&B hit with Oh What a Night.
The Legendary Dells: A Tribute to their Music
The Dells were one of the legendary American R&B vocal groups, which formed in 1952 and continued their musical journey until 2012. Originating from Harvey, Illinois, the group comprised of five members that included Marvin Junior, Johnny Carter, Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, and Mickey McGill. During their career span, they produced many iconic songs and broke many racial boundaries. Their harmonious and soulful sound went on to influence many musicians in the genre. Let's dive into the legacy of The Dells.
The Dells started their music journey in the early 1950s, where they began singing in high schools and church functions in Chicago. They would later sign with Vee-Jay Records and enjoyed their first taste of success with their 1956 R&B hit, Oh, What a Night. This song opened many doors for the group, and they would eventually reach their commercial apex in the 1960s. Stay in my Corner and Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation were among their most notable hits that became classics in their own right.
Their signature sound blended elements of gospel music with R&B and soul. Their harmonies were soulful, rich, and timeless, something that’s bound to give goosebumps to any music listener. The Dells were known for creating a balance between music and lyrics, and their emotional delivery gave every song an air of authenticity.
The Dells had performed in many famous concerts, including the milestone 1972 concert Wattstax, which was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The concert was a culturally significant event, showcasing Black talent from various genres. Their performance of I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love is Blue was one of the highlights of the show. The song was an emotional, harmonious, and soulful rendition that showcased the group's power to leave an unforgettable impression on its audience.
The Dells were trailblazers in the music industry. They were among the very few black artists of their era who managed to gain recognition outside the R&B charts. They've left a lasting impact on the music scene, inspiring generations of artists like R. Kelly, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding, among others.
Critics have hailed The Dells as one of the greatest and most influential vocal groups in history. A critic once mentioned that The Dells are love, passion, and commitment embodied in harmony. Their music was their legacy, something that'll never fade away. The group had a lasting impact on the music industry, breaking down barriers that existed at the time.
The Dells have managed to remain relevant in pop-culture long after their career demise. Their music has managed to inspire and cut across generations, making them a timeless classic. Their sound has become a blueprint for modern-day R&B and Soul Music. They'll always be celebrated as one of the greatest Chicago musical exports, a testament to their transcendent musicality. The world will forever be thankful for the contribution that The Dells made to the music industry, paving the way for generations of artists that would follow.