The Delta Rhythm Boys
The Delta Rhythm Boys | |
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Background information | |
Genres | R&B, jazz, gospel |
Years active | 1934–1987 |
The Delta Rhythm Boys was 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 worked there under 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 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 on July 15, 1987.[3] At Gaines's funeral, Hugh Bryant collapsed while performing, and died, apparently from a heart attack.[4]
Personnel[]
Bass
- 1934–1987: Lee Gaines
First tenor
- 1934–1944: Elmaurice Miller
- 1940–1944: Clinton Holland
- 1944–1960: Carl Jones
- 1960–1974: Herb Coleman
- 1974–1987: Walter Trammell
Second tenor
- 1934–1975: Traverse Crawford
- 1975–1987: Ray Beatty
Baritone
- 1934–1940: Essie Adkins
- 1940–1943: Harry Lewis
- 1943–1960: Kelsey Pharr
- 1951–1954: Cliff Holland (Temporary replacement for Pharr)
- 1962–1987: Hugh Bryant
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Harris, Craig. "The Delta Rhythm Boys". AllMusic. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
- ^ Warner, Jay (2006). American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 24. ISBN 9780634099786. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
Delta Rhythm Boys.
- ^ Obituaries: Lee Gaines, 73, a Jazz Singer The New York Times, July 21, 1987.
- ^ Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times, July 24, 1987.
External links[]
- The Delta Rhythm Boys at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame website
- The Delta Rhythm Boys at Doo Wop Nation
- Jason Gross. Carl Jones Interview. Furious.com. January 2001.
- American vocal groups
- Musical groups from Oklahoma
- Musical groups established in 1934
- Langston University
- RCA Victor artists
- 1934 establishments in Oklahoma