The Delta Rhythm Boys

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The Delta Rhythm Boys
Delta Rhythm Boys.JPG
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, doo-wop
Years active1934–1987

The Delta Rhythm Boys were an American vocal group active from 1934 to 1987. [1]

Contents

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

First tenor

Second tenor

Baritone

Pianist

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Harris, Craig. "The Delta Rhythm Boys". AllMusic . Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  2. 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.
  3. Obituaries: Lee Gaines, 73, a Jazz Singer The New York Times , July 21, 1987.
  4. 1 2 "The Dead Rock Stars Club - The 1980s". thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  5. Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times , July 24, 1987.
  6. "Carl Jones Obituary (2010) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  7. "U.S. Singer Shot to Death". Los Angeles Times. June 13, 1974. p. I-21.
  8. "Article clipped from The Miami News". The Miami News. April 21, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  9. Living Blues. Living Blues Publications. 2004.