The Mighty Dells have been singing and performing for nearly 5 decades, sold millions of records, and are considered the most enduring and endearing vocal group in the history of Rhythm & Blues.
Marvin Junior, Johnnie Carter, Charles Barksdale, Michael McGill and Verne Allison started their illustrious career while attending Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, in the year 1953. After being coached by Harvey Fugua and The Moonglows, they recorded the original "Oh What A Night " in 1956 which became their first million seller and performed at the famed Apollo Theater in New York. The rest is musical history.
Their unmistakable harmonies so cleverly created by the late Kirk Stewart, were later fined tuned by the great Quincy Jones who showcased The Dells talent on Dinah Washington's last Mercury Records LP entitled "Tears and Laughter".
After touring with Dinah for two years, The Dells joined Ray Charles in 1966 and
expanded their career by being exposed to the other side of show business, performing in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Las Vegas etc.
In 1967, The Dells teamed up with writer/producer Bobby Miller, who wrote and produced most of The Dells greatest hits, and arranger Charles Stepney (co producer of Earth Wind and Fire). This union produced forty-four (44) rhythm and blues chart records, including three (3) number one R&B hits: "Oh What A Night," which became a million seller in 1956 and again in 1969; "Stay In My Corner", the very first million seller single that was 6 minutes and 10 seconds long, and "Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation" (RIAA certified million seller 1973). Seven (7) gold singles, three (3) gold albums, plus 25 chart top 10 hits.
The highlight of The Dells career, which introduced them to the "Pepsi Generation" was when movie director Robert Townsend wrote the inspiring movie "The 5 Heartbeats" which was based on the tumultuous lives and career of The Dells. This movie produced the hit sound track chart buster "A Heart Is A House For Love" which catapulted The Dells into.another dimension as superstars.
The Dells are recipients of The Rhythm & Blues Foundation's "Pioneer Hall Of Fame Award", the 124th Annual NAACP's Image Award", the "Soul Of American Music Award", the "Illinois NARAS Governors Award" the "Jackie Awards", and many lifetime achievement awards from Governors and Mayors.
"And when your hair has turned to silver, and the days of our youth have left us far behind, golden, golden memories we'll keep in our minds, and we'll always be.
.THE MIGHTY DELLS
