The Dells

This article is about R&B group. For the Wisconsin geologic feature or vacation destination, see Wisconsin Dells (disambiguation). For other uses, see Dell (disambiguation).

The Dells
The Dells in 1967: (Top row, L-R): Michael McGill, Marvin Junior, Verne Allison. (Bottom row, L-R): Chuck Barksdale, Johnny Carter.
The Dells in 1967: (Top row, L-R): Michael McGill, Marvin Junior, Verne Allison. (Bottom row, L-R): Chuck Barksdale, Johnny Carter.
Background information
Also known asThe El-Rays, The Mighty Dells
OriginHarvey, Illinois, U.S.
GenresR&B, doo-wop, soul
Years active1953–2012
LabelsCadet/Chess, Vee-Jay, Mercury, ABC, 20th Century Fox, Ichiban, Virgin, Philadelphia International, Volt
Past membersMarvin Junior
Verne Allison
Michael McGill
Chuck Barksdale
Johnny Funches
Lucius McGill
Johnny Carter
WebsiteThemightydells.com

The Dells were an American R&B vocal group. Formed in high school in 1953 by founding members Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Michael and Lucius McGill, under the name the El-Rays.[1] They released their first recording in 1954 and two years later had their first R&B hit with "Oh What a Night".[1] After disbanding due to a near-fatal car crash in 1958, the band re-formed in 1960 with Funches being replaced by Johnny Carter.[1] This lineup remained together until Carter's death in 2009.[2] In 2004 the Dells were inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame[3] and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.[4] The group performed until illness forced longtime lead singer Marvin Junior and bass vocalist Chuck Barksdale into retirement, ending the group's 60-year run.

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Larkin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Steve Huey. "The Dells | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  3. ^ "The Dells". Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved February 15, 2019. The Dells were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, the same year they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  4. ^ "The Dells". The Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation. Retrieved February 15, 2019.