The Delta Rhythm Boys
The Delta Rhythm Boys | |
|---|---|
 The quartet with pianist Rene DeKnight. Top left to right: Lee Gaines, DeKnight. Center: Carl Jones. Bottom left to right: Traverse Crawford, Kelsey Pharr. | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | R&B, jazz, gospel |
| Years active | 1934–1987 |
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "The Dead Rock Stars Club - The 1980s". thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times, July 24, 1987.
- ^ "Carl Jones Obituary (2010) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Singer Shot to Death". Los Angeles Times. June 13, 1974. p. I-21.
- ^ "Article clipped from The Miami News". The Miami News. April 21, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ Living Blues. Living Blues Publications. 2004.
External links[edit]
- 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.
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