The Delta Rhythm Boys

The Delta Rhythm Boys were 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
Genres	R&B, jazz, gospel, doo-wop
Years active	1934–1987

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

• 1934–1987: Lee Gaines

First tenor

• 1934–1944: Elmaurice Miller
• 1940–1944: Clinton Holland
• 1944–1960: Carl Jones (died September 21, 2010)^[6]
• 1960–1974: Herb Coleman (died June 12, 1974)^[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]

Pianist

• 1934–1987: Rene DeKnight (died January 24, 2004.)^[9]