Junior was reported to be very ill "and is not expected to be with us for very much longer." The report also mentioned that another member of The Dells, Mr. Chuck Barksdale, was also very ill. May the Holy Spirit comfort the family at this difficult time. I miss The Dells and feel quite fortunate to have had that episode in my life. Junior died from kidney failure and had a weak heart, his son Marvin Junior Jr. told Chicago's ABC7 TV. love the voice man and rest in peace. Junior died from kidney failure and had a weak heart, his son Marvin Junior Jr. told ABC7. He says his father died surrounded by family in his home in Harvey around 3:15 pm on Wednesday afternoon. 3 on the pop charts in 1956, right behind Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" and Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill.". The 29-year-old star released two shirts amid the drama with the father of her son. Marvin Junior, whose raw but robust baritone served for half a century as the sturdy foundation for the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues group that was formed when he and most of its . Mr. Juniors powerful voice and forceful delivery he was dubbed Iron Throat by the Temptations David Ruffin influenced other singers, most notably Teddy Pendergrass. !..I will always listen to THE DELLSMUCH LOVE. Marvin Junior, whose raw but robust baritone served for half a century as the sturdy foundation for the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues group that was formed when he and most of its other members were in high school in the early 1950s, died on Wednesday at his home in Harvey, Ill. Junior sang lead on the group's first hit, "Oh, What a Night," which he co-wrote with the original Dells tenor Johnny Funches. Marvin Junior Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic The email does not appear to be a valid email address. 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: The Dells, Oh, What a Night, Junior co-wrote the Dells first hit, Oh, What a Nite, with then-bandmate Johnny Funches. The Dells began by singing gospel as freshmen at Thornton Township High School. An avid sherman, he loved to cook what he caught. Get ready forthe BET Experience, featuringBeyonc,Snoop Dogg,R. Kelly,Erykah Badu,Kendrick Lamarand many more. The Dells recording of the lm's George Duke-produced theme song A Heart Is A House For Love became a hit, introducing the group to a brand new generation. SON OF THE DELLS LEGEND MARVIN JUNIOR The group was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, but havent performed since the 2009 death of bandmate Johnny Carter. Marvin Junior, who has died aged 77, was lead baritone of The Dells, a vocal quintet widely considered a cornerstone of soul music. The talent was and is matchless and Marvin Junior had an innate feel for delivery that has no equal. WATCHING THE DELLS ON YOUTUBE CONCERT 1972 WITH JOY OF THE MUSIC AND THE PAIN OF LOSS OF THE MOST PROFOUND TALENT I MISS YOU AND THE GUYS THAT HAD CROSSED OVER. Try again later. Thank you Marvinfor your one of a kind voiceLarceda Thomas. Marvin Junior - Biography - IMDb I thought you might like to see a memorial for Marvin Junior I found on Findagrave.com. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. Try again later. He was a mentor and teacher to many notable names in the music industry. Marvin Junior JR SON OF THE DELLS LEGENDARY LEAD VOCALIST - YouTube Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. His family believes it was the driving force that inspired him to sing for six decades from his heart and the deepest depth of his soul. One of my favorite r&b group. He, and the other Dells, were wonderful entertainers and America will never forget the Dells! Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. ). His family moved to Illinois when he was a boy. THE MIGHTY DELLS: Verne Allison, Charles Barksdale, Johnnie Carter (deceased) and Michael McGill; BAND MEMBERS AND THE DELLS PROFESSIONAL TEAM: Anthony Allison, Tim Allison, Tony Allison, Derris Bolton, Donald Tutu Brackens, Nigel Byrd, Maurice Calloway, Rick Hall, William Bill Harden, Danny Johnson, LC Johnson, Marvin Junior, Jr. (son), Lloyd Buzzy Pridgeon, Winston Sawyers, David Service, Wayne Stephens, Mark Williams, and Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq. Faith Evans Settles Bitter Divorce Battle With Stevie J. I'm really saddened by the passing of Marvin Junior. His family moved to Illinois when he was a boy. Johnny would set it up with the lightning, then Marvin would come with the thunder.. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. "He was really trying to tell us to get the hell out of show business.". May your FAITH be a blanket of comfort until you are reunited in ETERNITY. They have worked with some of the greatest writers, musicians and producers such as: Quincy Jones, Carl Davis, George Duke, Bobby Miller, and Gamble and Hu. 16 July 2013 6:21pm Marvin Junion (far left) with his. He grew up hoping to be the next Ray Charles and eventually inspired other singers, including Teddy Pendergrass. In 1956, they recorded their first hit, "Oh What a Night.". They began in Harvey, Illinois in 1953 as five Thornton Township High School classmates who shared a love for the sound of doowop. Mr. Every performance had to be memorable. Oh What A Night" your voice will be missed profoundly for countless years to come. Thanks for sharing your gifted voice. For a long time they practiced under an overpass in the Chicago suburb. Both parents preceded him in death. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Verify and try again. what a night",of course I love all the dells music!!!! The Dells formed in 1952 under the name The El-Rays. My prayers and thoughts are with your wife, children, and grandchildren. "CLASSIC" group ,sound, and songs. WIFE of 53 years Ruby Junior; BROTHER Jack Dabon (Pam); SIX CHILDREN: Faye Jones (Vincent), Marvin Junior, Jr. (Natalie), LaTanya Junior, Shawn Junior, Toia Junior and Todd Junior (Brandy); 12 GRANDCHILDREN: Jazmine Junior, Jordon Jones, Rayven Junior, Diamond Junior, Lakiya Fondren, Kalia Fondren, Marlie Junior, Tahjanae Junior, Marvin Junior III, Jade Junior, Todd Junior, Liyah Junior; beloved SISTERS-IN-LAW: Patricia, Katie, Elizabeth, Roberta, and Mamie; dear COUSINS: Lena B. My very first encounter with the Dells was in 1969. Junior died from kidney failure and had a weak heart, his son Marvin Junior Jr . Your legacy lives on and will continue for years to come. I had just heard the song "Oh What a Night" on the radio in NYC. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. Love to Mickey and Verne, the last two standing. "Two tons of fun" is what he called himself. Stay in My Corner - The Black History Channel "Stay In My Corner" (1968) was their first hit to earn a Top Ten placing on the Pop Charts. The Dells remained active as performers and signed with the Philadelphia International label during the 1990s. You will truly be missed and I wish I could have seen the group in concert. The group's first single for Chess Records, "Darling, I Know," in 1954 earned them a paltry $69 in royalties. Published by The Advocate on Jun. Whenever the Dells came to DC or nearby, I was there. The Love We Had Stays On My Mind. Junior sang with The Dells for 60 years. He was born on January 31, 1936, in the little out-of-the-way town of Harrell, Arkansas, the only child from the union of Richard Junior and Jessie Allison. Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. By WILLIAM YARDLEY Marvin Junior, whose raw but robust baritone served for half a century as the sturdy foundation for the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues group that was formed when he and most of its other members were in high school in the early 1950s, died on Wednesday at his home in Harvey, Ill. Their group. 6 spot on the Billboard R&B chart with their first single, "You Waited Too Long." His Professional Life and The Mighty Dells. You have funeral questions, we have answers. OFFBEAT: Harvey's Marvin Junior of The Dells dead at age 77 Junior was paradoxically shy outside of his public life. Junior and Johnny Carter, a former member of the Flamingos, who replaced Mr. Funches in 1960. Watch It On Video Every Day. He was 77. Junior you truly were a great singer and entertainer. The reworked versions of both songs went to No. no one could compare..GREAT..GREAT MUSIC! thank you marvin,a standing ovation for you,you earned it.rest now in the arms of the angels. RUBY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Loved your music! Saw him perform several times. He had diabetes. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. We won't try to tell their . Mr. Marvin Junior, You Had One Of The Greatest Voices Of ALL Times. They experienced a minor hit with "Darling I Know" however, it would be under the guidance of The Moonglows' member Harvey Fuqua that The Dells enjoyed their greatest commercial success. Where do I start I love the Dells and I see them on you tube everyday. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. My prayers go out for the family of Marvin Junior. Junior had failing kidneys and a weak heart, according to his son Marvin Junior Jr., who also told ABC7 in Chicago that his father died Wednesday (May 29) surrounded by family in his home in Harvey, IL, where the soulful singer grew up. Learn more about managing a memorial . Rerecorded in 1969, "Oh, What a Night" climbed to No. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. marvin i just started to listen to the dells. The group called it quits, but McGill recovered and its career resumed. In 2004 they were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Dells singer Marvin Junior died on Wednesday from kidney and heart problems at his home in Harvey, Illinois, the New York Times reports. He was 77. Get email updates about Marvin Junior delivered directly to your inbox. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Listening to "I Touched A Dream" right now. May you find comfort in knowing that Marvin was loved by everyone. [1] They released their first recording in 1954 and two years later had their first R&B hit with "Oh What a Night". I still play their music today. The Dells often teased Marvin about his reluctance to have the spotlight shine on him in contrast to his absolute dominance of the stage as soon as he began to sing. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. May God bless them and provide comfort in this time of need. I loved his voice, so unique and beautiful at the same time. In 1956, they recorded their first hit, "Oh What a Night." . Member of the 1950s R&B group The Dells. Each and every time we lose such great talent it makes me sad. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Our Loving Memory of Marvin Junior Our family loved Marvin Junior of The Mighty Dells. May God Bless the Marvin Junior Family. Soon after, they re-christened themselves as the Dells. What did Marvin Junior of the Dells died from? Junior was the oldest of four siblings: Nathaniel Dabon (deceased), Melvin Dabon (deceased) and, Jack Dabon. I love all the songs that he and his group have made and I also had love Marvin Junior of the Dells I wish he was still alive today. Some songs were done before I was born, and some. I have been waiting to see the Dells in concertnow I have to wait to hear them in heavenwhat a great singerR.I.P, Marvin Junior, I am a big fan of the Dells for many years, there will never be a voice like yours. I Love The Dells music, my two favorite songs are "always together" and "oh! If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. In addition to Marvin Jr., he is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, the former Ruby Caldwell; two other sons, Shawn and Todd; three daughters, Faye Jones and Latanya and Toya Junior; 10 gr andchildren; and a brother, Jack Dabon. He died on May 29, 2013 in Harvey, Illinois,. Junior died from multiple organ failure. Loved them then and still do. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Carter died in 2009, and the Dells have not performed since then. The singer died Wednesday (May 29th) at his home in Illinois. His voice was huge and versatile - it often reached into tenor territory - and it held up through more than two dozen albums and 57 years of performing. Chi-town loses another R&B singer this week. A version of this article appears in print on, Marvin Junior, 77, Robust, Earthy Baritone for the Dells, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/01/arts/music/marvin-junior-dells-singer-dies-at-77.html. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. On the road, he demonstrated his greatest passion and love for his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather and relative to many. WATCHING THE DELLS ON YOUTUBE CONCERT 1972 WITH JOY OF THE MUSIC AND THE PAIN OF LOSS OF THE MOST PROFOUND TALENT I MISS YOU AND THE GUYS THAT HAD CROSSED OVER. To the family and friends of Marvin Juinior. He was a mans man. Junior, who was once called "Iron Throat" by the Temptations' David Ruffin, helped form the doo-wop and R&B group as a high-schooler in Harvey in the early Fifties.His voice was massive and versatile, and held up strongly over his . cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. [1] After disbanding due to a near-fatal car crash in 1958, the . His family moved to Illinois when he was a boy. I loved the group and especially loved Marvin and the late Johnny Carter. He was best known as the lead vocalist with the R&B music ensemble The Dells. Please reset your password. Aside from being consummate professionals, they were genuinely good men who valued loyalty, dedication, family and most of all, Black women. Rest in peace my brother. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. I truly feel like I have lost a great friend. Their biggest hit was the 1970 "O-o-h Child," which also made the Rolling Stone Greatest Songs list at #402. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Wishing the family peace and comfort. Year should not be greater than current year. He attributed his talent and love of music to his parents -- his voice from his mother who sang in a spiritual group, and his father who played guitar. I have always loved the music of the Dells. The ones with John Wayne were his favorite. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Marvin Junior, right, and the Dells perform at the Arie Crown Theatre in 2003, celebrating their 50th anniversary. "We were just five guys who happened to go to the same high school," Barksdale said in 1991. He grew up hoping to be the next Ray Charles and eventually inspired other singers, including Teddy Pendergrass. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Houston Marketplace. The group scored plenty of hits after that, including Stay in My Corner, I Touched a Dream, Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation and The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind).. The fabric of his private life, including his friendship with The Dells members, was unshakably tight and incorruptible. The Dells were an American R&B vocal group. What a great man great v Voice he will be missed by many, God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family'sMy condolence. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Michael McGill and Johnny Funches of Dells. He is the son of Marvin Junior of Harvey, one of the lead singers of the Dells, an R&B singing group that will celebrate its 51st anniversary at the end of the year. The quintet performed what would be its final show in 2009, when Carter died. Try again later. Mr. Marvin Junior, the long time surviving lead singer extraordinaire of the mighty, mighty Dells went home to glory today (05-29-13). He enjoyed conversations related to politics and international aairs. Though they disbanded in the late '70s, Burke continued to perform solo and record with family and friends. Both men grew up in or . Junior, age 77, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, with family members by his side at his home in Harvey, Illinois, from complications associated with kidney failure. Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111439906/marvin-junior. Go here for more detailsandinfo on how to buy tickets. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. The Dells served as consultants, and an inspiration, for The Five Heartbeats, Robert Townsends 1991 film about a fictitious singing group. OP/ED: Jill Scott Reminding Us That Black Folks Still Aint Free Is The Independence Day Message We Didnt Know We Needed. The reality star broke the news to her husband, Aaron Ross in the season 15 mid-season trailer for the series, released Friday. Nikki McCray-Penson, Olympic Gold Medalist, and WNBA Star Dies at Age 51. I love the way his voice attack the songs. Two years later, the Dells celebrated their 50th anniversary - an amazing feat of talent and perseverance.Two other members of the Dells have also died. That is why he asked his family to forego a public funeral or memorial upon his passing. Love the dells and Marvin voice was great god bless them with a long career. Love the dells and Marvin voice was great god bless them with a long career. Junior wrote the Dells' first hit, "Oh What a Nite," with the group's Johnny Funches. The Love & Hip Hop star talks dating while raising twin girls and what shes looking for in a partner. I always remember just sitting in disbelief, when Marvin held that high note. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. May Marvin Junior rest in peace but his voice will carry on forever. . By WILLIAM YARDLEY By Philip Potempa , (219) 852-4327. "I think he (Chess label founder Leonard Chess) did us a favor paying that much," Barksdale once said. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Failed to delete memorial. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. The Dells were an American R&B vocal group. He was 77. When home, Junior loved to watch old western movies. Amazing achievements all, considering that Junior made his entry to the planet as quietly as he left it. He received his education at McKinley Grammar School and Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves and received an honorable discharge. Menu. RIP Marvin Junior, you will be missed. Enjoy your music - that voice like no other - that made you stood out - Will continue to listening your music. You will be surely missed. To the end, Marvin Junior was a member of the Dells. Four of the five original Dells sang together almost continually from 1953 until their final performance in 2009. The Dells were credited as technical advisers on the film. He helped define for a generation what a male soul singer was expected to be: multi-talented, soulful, impeccably convincing, unwaveringly sure in his passions and love, the kind of persona women desired and men respected. Marvin Junior may you rest in peace and in heaven I know you are singing with the angels you surely will be missed we all enjoyed your outstanding voice such harmony such class we love you and thank you for sharing your voice so many years a true fan, fond memories of you, the dells, thornton high , and west Harvey, il, the pool hall, JACK.MELVIN, AND 'FAN', Thank you Marvin for sharing your wonderful voice for so many years. Grew up listening to the Dells in the 6o's. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. RIP and sing with the angels! Marvin Junior, a founding member and the lead singer of the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and soul group whose songs appeared on the rhythm-and-blues charts in five decades and included such hits as Oh, What a Night and Stay in My Corner, died May 29 at his home in Harvey, Ill. Foxxs They Cloned Tyrone co-stars were upbeat about his health. Please try again later. In later years, Mr. What a voice. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. My prayers are with you. Fellow Dells member Chuck Barksdale is said to be gravely ill. Singer Marvin Junior, lead vocalist for The Dells, and the voice heard with the group's hit song "Oh, What a Night," died Wednesday at his home in Harvey, Ill . They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 after more than 40 years in the industry. I'm 41 and my 18 yr old son loves the Dells. They soon took their music to a rival Chicago label, Vee Jay, whose executives suggested that they change their name to the Dells. Listen to ballad of Marvin Junior Jr. - Chicago Tribune "Johnny would set it up with the lightning, then Marvin would come with the thunder." The Dells, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, had one of the most stable lineups among R&B vocal groups and served as a model for the 1991 film The Five Heartbeats., From 1956 to 1992, the group had 46 hits on the Billboard rhythm-and-blues charts. Junior died from kidney failure and had a weak heart, his son Marvin Junior Jr. told Chicagos ABC7 TV. Trending. Thanks Marvin for the lifetime of wonderful music and memories. He says his father died surrounded by family in his home in Harvey around 3:15 pm on Wednesday afternoon. The Dells had another hit song with their 1968 recording of "Stay in My Corner," which sold more than 1 million copies. I always remember just sitting in disbelief, when Marvin held that high note. Miss those guys! Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Junior. Marvin Junior, Lead Singer Of The Legendary Dells Passes At Age 77 By William Yardley May 31, 2013 Marvin Junior, whose raw but robust baritone served for half a century as the sturdy foundation for the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues group. Miss those guys! We will never have music like theirs again. He co . I am not from his era, but listening to the music he and the Dell's made takes my mind beyond time.Thanks you for sharing your Marvin with us. Thanks for your help! These were the sounds that I listened to as a baby boomer. R.I.P, bye bye iron voicehal lamar, atlanta voice, american urban radio net. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Heartfelt sympathy to kin and friend. He was 77. He will be missed greatly. Soul Heaven will welcome one of its children! Junior is one of my favorite singers. I describe it as thunder and lightning, Mr. Juniors son said of the two mens performing dynamic. Giving each note, each song, each concert a thundering delivery. Discovery CEO Zaslav after complaint. His family moved to Illinois when he was a boy. Marvin Junior, whose raw but robust baritone served for half a century as the sturdy foundation for the Dells, a Chicago doo-wop and rhythm-and-blues group that was formed when he and most of its other members were in high school in the early 1950s, died on Wednesday at his home in Harvey, Ill. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. This was followed with "Oh, What A Night" (1969) and their gold status single "Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation" (1973). 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Now I know why 50+. Near the end, Mr. "It had good acoustics," Marvin Junior Jr. said. I was always at their shows when they performed at DAR (Constitution Hall). Where did this orginate?