The Dells first recorded as
The El-Rays in 1953 for
Checker Records in Chicago, later signing with
Vee-Jay Records in 1955. The group consisted of
Johnny Funches (lead vocal),
Marvin Junior (baritone lead vocals),
Verne Allison (tenor),
Mickey McGill (baritone), and
Chuch Barksdale (bass). The line-up remained unchanged into the 1980s, with the exception of Johnny Funches, who was replaced by
Johnny Carter in 1960. Funches died January 23, 1998 at age 62, while his replacement Johnny Carter died August 21, 2009 at age 75.
These
guys were hugely successful on both the R&B charts and the Hot 100
Pop charts, with 47 charted R&B hits, while they appeared on the Hot
100 charts a total of 24 times.
This week Treasure Island Oldies spotlight The Dells.
Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either There Is or Stay In My Corner. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.
