The Dell-Vikings

The Dell-Vikings’ period of success on the charts was as short as it was spectacular. This doo-wop group was formed, in 1955, by members of the United States Air Force.

Stationed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the composition of the quintet was open to change, as members were relocated to serve on other military bases. The Dell-Vikings originally recorded for Dot Records, a small local label. However, once the group had had significant success with its release, “Come Go With Me”, in 1957, it was decided that it should record for the much larger Mercury Records.

The group’s next sizeable hit, “Whispering Bells”, had already been recorded before it had departed from Dot and before 1957 had ended, “Cool Shake”, too, was imposing its popularity on the charts. Unfortunately, for The Dell-Vikings these three hits were to remain its claim to fame and while the group, under numerous changes in personnel, continued to re-form, as the decades past, the transient, heady days of success in the recording studio did not re-emerge.

The Dell-Vikings also remains noteworthy for it was one of the few racially integrated musical groups to achieve notable success, at a time, in America, that was marked by segregation. Furthermore, its hits have been used in films that depict its era. ‘American Graffiti’ and ‘Stand By Me’ are two such films.

http://youtu.be/wA-qJPNJnCE

“Come Go With Me” is included in the list of my favourite recordings. This can be located in the suggested playlists. I shall be adding to this list from time to time and have attempted to make it as diverse, and as entertaining, as possible.

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