The Dells' 50th anniversary

Jet, April 8, 2002

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Caption: Famed R&B group the Dells celebrate its 50th anniversary in music at a star-studded gala at the B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in New York City. Members are (l-r) Chuck Barksdale, Verne Allison, Michael McGill, Johnny Carter and Marvin Junior. Initially known as the El-Rays, the Dells started in 1952 in Harvey, IL, near Chicago. The group's classic hits include Oh What A Night, Stay In My Corner and A Heart Is A House For Love from Robert Townsend's 1991 acclaimed film The Five Heartbeats, which was based on the lives and careers of The Dells. The group's many honors include induction to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer Hall of Fame and a 1991 NAACP Image Award.