The Delta Rhythm Boys
An African-American vocal group formed in 1934 at Langston University, Oklahoma, USA. The classic line-up of the group was bass Lee Gaines (b. Otha Lee Gaines, Mississippi, USA), baritone Kelsey Pharr, first tenor lead Carl Jones, second tenor Traverse Crawford, and pianist/arranger Rene DeKnight. The Delta Rhythm Boys exuded a classy elegance and sophistication that made them the most renown and respected of the '40s groups that sang a blend of jubilee, pop, and swing. In 1936 the group transferred to Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and began singing under the name Frederick Hall Quintet, after their mentor, the school's musical director. By 1938 the group had made it to New York and were appearing in Broadway shows such as Sing Out The News and The Hot Mikado as the Delta Rhythm Boys. By 1940 the group, consisting of Gaines, Crawford, DeKnight and tenors Clinton Howard and Harry Lewis, had made its recording debut for (Decca Records). During 1941 they had success with two of their most memorable recordings, Dry Bones and Take The ‘A’ Train, and also with recordings backing Mildred Bailey. The Delta Rhythm Boys also appeared in films for Universal during 1943-45. Meanwhile, in 1943 Lewis was replaced by baritone Kelsey Pharr, and in 1944 Howard was replaced by Carl Jones. In 1945 the group were established on radio in programmes including Amos And Andy and The Joan Davis Show. In 1945 (Decca) teamed the Deltas up with Ella Fitzgerald for some notable recordings. The group had one last hit for (Decca) in 1946 called Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin (number 3 R&B, number 17 pop), and in 1947 signed with (RCA)-(Victor). While with (Victor) the group established themselves as a first-rate jazz group, even if no hits resulted. In 1949 they signed with (Atlantic), and recorded some excellent R&B songs, notably If You See Tears In My Eyes and I'd Rather Be Wrong Than Blue. The group returned to (Decca) in 1950, and in 1952 recorded for (Mercury). By that time, however, their music was becoming dated compared to the new R&B that was growing in popularity, but the Delta Rhythm Boys were rapidly developing a following in Europe, especially in France and the Scandinavian countries. Since 1949 they had been making regular tours to those countries and recording in Finnish and Swedish on each tour and in 1956 made Europe their permanent home. By 1960 only Gaines and Crawford remained from the classic group but they continued to perform with new members. Crawford died in 1975, and Gaines in 15 July 1987, after which the Delta Rhythm Boys disbanded.