The Delta Rhythm Boys were an American vocal group active from 1934 to 1987.
The group was formed at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, in 1934 by Carl Jones, Traverse Crawford, Otha Lee Gaines, and Kelsey Pharr. 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.
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. The group appeared extensively in 15 films. They resettled permanently in Europe in 1956.
Lee Gaines died of cancer in Helsinki, Finland on July 15, 1987.Obituaries: Lee Gaines, 73, a Jazz Singer The New York Times, July 21, 1987. At Gaines's funeral (on July 22, 1987), Hugh Bryant collapsed while performing, and died, apparently from a heart attack.Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times, July 24, 1987.
Personnel Bass 1934–1987: Lee Gaines
First tenor 1934–1944: Elmaurice Miller 1940–1944: Clinton Holland 1944–1960: Carl Jones (died September 21, 2010) 1960–1974: Herb Coleman (died June 12, 1974) 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) 1951–1954: Clifford Holland (temporary replacement for Pharr) 1962–1987: Hugh Bryant
Pianist
1934–1987: Rene DeKnight (died January 24, 2004.)
References
External links The Delta Rhythm Boys at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame website The Delta Rhythm Boys at Doo Wop Nation Jason Gross. Carl Jones Interview. Furious.com. January 2001.