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
GenresR&B, jazz, gospel, doo-wop
Years active1934–1987

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

Bass

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

  1. ^ a b c d e 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. ^ a b "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.


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