The Delta Rhythm Boys

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

The Delta Rhythm Boys
The quartet with pianist Rene DeKnight. Top l to r: Lee Gaines, DeKnight. Center: Carl Jones. Bottom l to r: Traverse Crawford, Kelsey Pharr.
Background information
GenresR&B, jazz, gospel
Years active1934–1987

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 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 on July 15, 1987.[3] At Gaines's funeral, Hugh Bryant collapsed while performing, and died, apparently from a heart attack.[4]

Personnel

Bass

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
  1. 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. Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times, July 24, 1987.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.