The Dells
The Dells were formed in 1952 in Harvey, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, by a group of high school friends at Thornton Township High School. Initially known as the El-Rays, the group included founding members Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and another member whose name is not specified in the available information. The group started to gain recognition through their doo-wop performances in local venues.
They made a significant impact on the R&B genre, earning them the nickname "Grandfathers of R&B Harmony" due to their pioneering work in vocal arrangements that influenced future generations of soul and R&B groups. They signed a recording contract with Checker Records and released their first notable single, "Darling I Know," which helped establish their presence in the music industry.
Their career spanned several decades, during which they became one of the longest-running vocal groups in rock and roll history. From 1956 to 1992, The Dells achieved remarkable success, amassing an impressive 46 R&B chart hits, showcasing their enduring popularity and musical evolution.
The Dells are often credited with shaping the sound of modern R&B, and their harmonious style set a standard for vocal groups that followed. Their influence is evident in the work of numerous artists across various music genres. The group's persistent lineup, particularly with Marvin Junior as lead baritone, contributed to their distinct sound and identity over the years.
They continued performing and recording into the late 20th century, celebrating their legacy and contributions to music. Their dedication and talent earned them recognition both commercially and critically, solidifying their place in music history as a quintessential R&B group.
The Dells' journey from high school friends to R&B legends exemplifies their remarkable talent and resilience in the music industry. Their legacy continues to influence artists and delight fans worldwide, marking them as one of the enduring icons of American music.
Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation
Written-By – Henry Williams, Marv Johnson
4:34
A2 Ain't No Sunshine
Written-By – Bill Withers
4:40
A3 You Don't Care
Written-By – Larry Wade, Terry Callier
3:50
A4 Share
Written-By – Terry Callier
4:04
B1 Love Can Make It Easier
Written-By – Skip Scarborough
4:47
B2 The Glory Of Love
Written-By – William Hill
3:50
B3 Stand Up And Show The World
Written-By – Skip Scarborough
3:10
B4 Soul Strollin'
Written-By – Larry Wade, Terry Callier
3:32
B5 Closer
Written-By – B. Eaton, C. Wolfolk, D. Davis, K. Barker
3:43
Label: Cadet – CA 50037
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
The Dells' 1973 album, Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation, is a classic Chicago soul/funk record on Cadet Records, known for its smooth harmonies, powerful vocals, and rich production by Don Davis, featuring the iconic, gold-selling title track that celebrates women; it blends mellow grooves with righteous soul, showcasing The Dells' masterful vocal blend and earning them another gold record during their prolific career.
Named after their massive hit song, this album solidified their legendary status, becoming their third gold record, masterfully produced by Don Davis, with contributions from Charles Stepney and Bob Miller.
A cornerstone of Chicago soul, showcasing the group's enduring vocal talent and cementing their place among soul legends, the akbum features "spacey soul," rock/soul grooves, strong backbeats, and sophisticated arrangements, with some tracks having a rock edge.
Overall, Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation is a tight, beautifully arranged album that captures The Dells at their peak, delivering soulful anthems and showcasing their distinct vocal blend with a polished, full sound.
The album's title track was a major commercial success, reaching #3 on the R&B charts and peaking at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics and fans consider the album a "masterclass in vocal harmony" and a "modern soul masterpiece". It remains a significant piece in the evolution of American soul music, capturing the spirit of the early 1970s.
I Touched A Dream
Written-By – D. Addrisi
5:07
A2 All About The Paper
Written-By – Clarence McDonald, Lowrell Simon
5:30
A3 Passionate Breezes
Written-By – Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancey
5:35
B1 I Touched A Dream
Written-By – Eugene Record
5:18
B2 Just A Little Love
Written-By – Buddy Martin, James Jolis, Kevin Simone
3:39
B3 Look At Us Now
Written-By – Carl Davis, Clarence McDonald, Lowrell Simon
3:29
B4 Your Song
Written-By – Cecil Womack, Don Davis
3:27
Label: 20th Century Fox Records – T-618
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
The Dells I Touched a Dream (1980) is considered the last great Dells album, a surprising hit with superb soulful arrangements by Sonny Sanders and Tom Tom 84, blending lush strings, funk, and emotive vocals for hits like the title track and "Passionate Breezes," offering mature soul that stands out even from their classic '60s/'70s work, though some fans prefer the raw sound of their earlier hits.
It features arrangements by Sonny Sanders and Tom Tom 84 (Earth, Wind & Fire's horn section), creating a rich, soulful sound with sophisticated arrangements incorporating elements of funk and smooth soul, a slight shift from their earlier baroque soul but still deeply emotional.
Widely regarded as a strong late-career effort, a big surprise for the year, and a highlight of their extensive catalog. While some fans miss the raw, soaring vocals of their Vee-Jay/Chess era, they acknowledge the beautiful performances and arrangements, with some tracks being re-recordings that offer a warmer, rounder sound.
In summary, I Touched a Dream is a highly recommended album for soul fans, showcasing The Dells' enduring talent with polished production and heartfelt performances, proving they could still deliver profound, chart-topping soul in the 1980s.
Musical Menu~Always Together
A1 Always Together (Bobby Miller 3:04)
A2 Hallways Of My Mind (Bobby Miller 3:05)
Lunch
A3 Believe Me (Bobby Miller 2:58)
A4 I Want My Momma (Bobby Miller 2:29)
A5 Agatha Van Thurgood (Bobby Miller, Sidney Barnes 2:40)
Dinner
B1 Hallelujah Baby (Bobby Miller 2:48)
B2 Good-bye Mary Ann (Marijohn Wilkin, Wilson Fred Burch 2:19)
B3 Does Anybody Know I'm Here (Bobby Miller 3:15)
Cocktails
B4 Make Sure (You Have Someone Who Loves You) (Bobby Miller 2:34)
B5 I Can't Do Enough (Bobby Miller 3:30)
Label: Cadet – LPS-822
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
The Dells Musical Menu / Always Together is a classic R&B and soul album released in 1968 on the Cadet record label. It is notable for its blend of powerful ballads, driven by lead vocalist Marvin Junior's distinctive voice, and several surprisingly diverse, up-tempo, and even funky tracks.
The album is a key release that captured The Dells at their prime, following their breakthrough hit "There Is". It was produced by Bobby Miller, with arrangements and conduction by the legendary Charles Stepney.
While The Dells were famous for ballads, this album broadens their style to include more varied tempos. It features the instantly recognizable lead vocals of Marvin Junior and excellent group harmonies.
The original vinyl LP featured a distinctive, somewhat bizarre gatefold cover art that depicted the group as a "musical menu," being sprinkled from salt and pepper shakers onto a plate.
The album is structured with interlude titles like "Breakfast," "Lunch," "Dinner," and "Cocktails" interspersed between the songs.
The album was a top-ten R&B hit, though it had more modest success on the pop charts.