The Delta Rhythm Boys

The Delta Rhythm Boys was an American vocal group active from 1934 to 1987.[1]

The Delta Rhythm Boys
The quartet with pianist Rene DeKnight. Top left to right: Lee Gaines, DeKnight. Center: Carl Jones. Bottom left to right: Traverse Crawford, Kelsey Pharr.
Background information
GenresR&B, jazz, gospel
Years active1934–1987

The group was formed at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, in 1934 by Carl Jones, Traverse Crawford, Otha Lee Gaines, and Kelsey Pharr.[1] 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.[1]

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.[1] The group appeared extensively in 15 films.[2] They resettled permanently in Europe in 1956.[1]

Lee Gaines died of cancer in Helsinki, Finland on July 15, 1987.[3][4] At Gaines's funeral (on July 22, 1987), Hugh Bryant collapsed while performing, and died, apparently from a heart attack.[5]

Personnel

Bass

First tenor

  • 1934–1944: Elmaurice Miller
  • 1940–1944: Clinton Holland
  • 1944–1960: Carl Jones (died September 21, 2010)[6]
  • 1960–1972: Herb Coleman (died June 12, 1972)[7]
  • 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)[8]
  • 1951–1954: Cliff Holland (temporary replacement for Pharr)
  • 1962–1987: Hugh Bryant[4]

Rene DeKnight died on January 24, 2004.[9]

References
  1. Harris, Craig. "The Delta Rhythm Boys". AllMusic. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  2. Warner, Jay (2006). American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 24. ISBN 9780634099786. Retrieved July 24, 2016. Delta Rhythm Boys.
  3. Obituaries: Lee Gaines, 73, a Jazz Singer The New York Times, July 21, 1987.
  4. "The Dead Rock Stars Club - The 1980s". thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  5. Obituaries: Hugh Bryant Dies as He Sings Tribute at Lee Gaines Funeral The New York Times, July 24, 1987.
  6. "Carl Jones Obituary (2010) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  7. "The Dead Rock Stars Club - The 1970s". thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  8. "Article clipped from The Miami News". The Miami News. April 21, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  9. Living Blues. Living Blues Publications. 2004.


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