Biography

One of the longest-running vocal groups in rock and roll history, the Dells date back to 1952. The group’s original lineup – lead tenor Johnny Funches, second tenor Verne Allison, lead baritone Marvin Junior, baritone Michael “Mickey” McGill and bass singer Chuck Barksdale – changed only when Johnnie Carter replaced Funches in 1960. Between 1956 and 1992, the Dells racked up an astonishing 46 R&B hits. Eight of these made the pop Top 40, including their best-known songs, “Stay in My Corner” and “Oh, What a Night.” The Dells are part of a great lineage of black harmony groups, including ...