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The Dells

 


The El-Rays/Dells | Uncle Marv | tc297

The Dells, known originally as The El Rays, are one of the longest serving successful vocal groups in soul music. Their first record, “Darling I know/Christine” as the El Rays was released on Checker 794 in 1954. They were formed at high school in 1952. The main members of the group have been Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Mickey and Lucius McGill. In 1956 they had their first R&B hit with “Oh What a Night”. After disbanding due to a near-fatal car crash in 1958, the band reformed in 1960 with Johnny Funches being replaced by Johnny Carter.

Marvin Junior was born in Harell, Arkansas, on 31 January 1936 and died in Harvey, Illinois on May 29, 2013.


Johnny Funches was born in Harvey, Illinois, on 18 July 1935 and died on January 23, 1998.


John E. Carter, a founding member of The Flamingos, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 2 June 1934 and died of lung cancer in Harvey, Illinois, on August 21, 2009.

Verne Allison Sr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 22 June 1936.

Chuck Barksdale was born in Chicago, Illinois on 11 January 1935 and died on 15 May 2019.

Mickey McGill was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 17 February 1937.

Lucius McGill, no details available. ls: 07/26

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