The Dells

1
  • Year:
    2004
  • Inducted by:
    Robert Townsend
  • Category:
    Performers

Introduction

Fifty years after they formed, the Dells’ hypnotic sound endures.

The Dells are one of very few groups to have a hit in every decade since the Fifties. Lovable and long-lived, the Dells kept producing hits long after they secured their place in music history.

Hall of Fame Essay

2004

Harry Weigner

They greatest harmony group of  all time, the Dells thrilled audiences with their amazing vocal interplay, between the gruff, explore voice of Marvin Junior and the keening high tenor of Johnny Carter, that sweet-home-Chicago blend mediated by Mickey McGill and Veme Allison, and the talking bass voice from Chuck Barksdale.

Their style formed the template for every singing group that came after them. They’ve been recording and touring together for more than fifty years, with merely one lineup change: Carter, formerly of the Flamingos (2001 Hall of Fame inductees), replaced Johnny Funches in 1960.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 2004
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2004 Inductees The Dells
An accident in the studio produced their biggest classic.
Robert Townsend