In Remembrance of Johnny Carter
To Our Generations of Fans and Friends in the Music Industry:
A Special Message from The Dells
In Remembrance of Johnny Carter
(June 2, 1934 - August 21, 2009)
For all those who have supported The Dells over the generations – our fans, the media, radio stations, family, and friends in the music industry – we send sincere thanks for your prayers, wishes and condolences. As we mourn the loss of one of the music industry’s great legends, let us also pause for a moment to celebrate the life of our brother and best friend, Johnny Carter. During his lifetime, Johnny earned unparalleled distinction as the lead tenor of The Dells. His contributions to music secured him two inductions in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, an induction in the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, numerous other awards, and countless commendations. His thunderous tenor and multi-octave range earned him many names. In Jamaica, he is known as the “bird man,” because he could hit notes as high as the tallest tree. To The Dells and members of the band, he was “Old San Juan” and “Little Big Man,” who often sang soulful melodies about opossums in the gum tree and raccoons on the ground.
To the music industry, he was the happiest cat around – infectiously good humored. His radiant smile and impish wink will remain etched indelibly in our minds and hearts. Mostly, Johnny Carter lived fully and applied his God-given talent aptly up to the last day of his life. But his most extraordinary characteristic is the role he assumed as a “Man” – father, brother and best friend. Although he no longer can stand with us, the memory and essence of Johnny Carter will remain eternally in the hearts of all of The Dells, the band, his family and fans worldwide. His contributions as one of the greatest tenors in the history of music are permanently archived and will impact the world of music forever.
While most remember him for his incredible voice, to us, Johnny can never be properly memorialized. Our wish is that Johnny Carter’s life and legacy continue to inspire each of us as we move forward knowing that THE DELLS ALWAYS . . . YES . . . ALWAYS WILL BE TOGETHER.
Signed in Loving Memory,
Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Marvin Junior, and Michael “Mickey” McGill
Information on Funeral Services for John Carter
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Visitation
2 pm - 6 pm
W.W. Holt Funeral Home
175 W. 159th Street
Harvey, IL 60426
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Viewing at 4 pm
Funeral at 5 pm
Bethlehem Temple
20 E. 147th Street
Harvey, IL 60426
A Special Message from The Dells
In Remembrance of Johnny Carter
(June 2, 1934 - August 21, 2009)
For all those who have supported The Dells over the generations – our fans, the media, radio stations, family, and friends in the music industry – we send sincere thanks for your prayers, wishes and condolences. As we mourn the loss of one of the music industry’s great legends, let us also pause for a moment to celebrate the life of our brother and best friend, Johnny Carter. During his lifetime, Johnny earned unparalleled distinction as the lead tenor of The Dells. His contributions to music secured him two inductions in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, an induction in the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, numerous other awards, and countless commendations. His thunderous tenor and multi-octave range earned him many names. In Jamaica, he is known as the “bird man,” because he could hit notes as high as the tallest tree. To The Dells and members of the band, he was “Old San Juan” and “Little Big Man,” who often sang soulful melodies about opossums in the gum tree and raccoons on the ground.
To the music industry, he was the happiest cat around – infectiously good humored. His radiant smile and impish wink will remain etched indelibly in our minds and hearts. Mostly, Johnny Carter lived fully and applied his God-given talent aptly up to the last day of his life. But his most extraordinary characteristic is the role he assumed as a “Man” – father, brother and best friend. Although he no longer can stand with us, the memory and essence of Johnny Carter will remain eternally in the hearts of all of The Dells, the band, his family and fans worldwide. His contributions as one of the greatest tenors in the history of music are permanently archived and will impact the world of music forever.
While most remember him for his incredible voice, to us, Johnny can never be properly memorialized. Our wish is that Johnny Carter’s life and legacy continue to inspire each of us as we move forward knowing that THE DELLS ALWAYS . . . YES . . . ALWAYS WILL BE TOGETHER.
Signed in Loving Memory,
Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Marvin Junior, and Michael “Mickey” McGill
Information on Funeral Services for John Carter
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Visitation
2 pm - 6 pm
W.W. Holt Funeral Home
175 W. 159th Street
Harvey, IL 60426
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Viewing at 4 pm
Funeral at 5 pm
Bethlehem Temple
20 E. 147th Street
Harvey, IL 60426
Labels: john carter
21 Comments:
SO SORRY TO HEAR TODAY OF THE PASSING OF JOHNNY
OUR THOUGHTS PRAYERS AND HEARTS GO OUT TO JOHNNY'S FAMILY AND THE MEMBERS OF THE DELLS
JOHNNY WILL LIVE ON FOREVER THROUGH THE MUSIC WE LOVE SO MUCH
I ONLY SAW THE DELLS LIVE ONCE BUT THAT SHOW AT TRENTHAM GARDENS WILL LIVE WITH ME FOR EVER
WE RUN A SOUL NIGHT IN ENGLAND WHICH AT THE TIME HAD RUN EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT FOR TEN YEARS
AND THE ONLY SATURDAY WE MISSED WAS THE NIGHT NIGHT THE DELLS CAME TO TOWN
WE DID THE FRIDAY NIGHT INSTEAD
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FIRST FEW NOTES THE GROUP SANG THE CROWD ALL TWO THOUSAND OF US GASPED TOGETHER IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS
I AM A MAN OF 56 YEARS BUT TEARS RAN DOWN MY FACE AS THEY ARE NOW AS I WRITE THIS AS YOU SANG ALWAYS TOGETHER
GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE JOHNNY CARTER
THE RIGHT TRACK SOUL SHOW WILL PAY TRIBUTE
ON SUNDAY NIGHT 30 Th OF AUGUST 8.00pm UK time
Harry & Diana
The Right Track Soul Show
Salford City Radio 94.4 fm
Sunday nights 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm
www.salfordcityradio.org
email: righttrack@salfordcityradio.org
http://www.therighttrack.org.uk
Studio Number: 0161 793 2944 / 2942
Just a short note of thanks to Johnny and the Dells for all he gave to a 14 year old British boy, who is now a 51 year old man. He taught about love, which he obviously gave to his family and friends as well as his many fans.
His words and music will live on foreever
RIP
Geoff
In my mind, Johnny Carter was one of the greatest voices to come out of doo wop and soul. His range was unmatched by anyone. From "Golden Teardrops" to "Always Together" to "Does Anybody Know I'm Here?" and beyond. Met him once in Houston a few years back along with Marvin, Chuck, Mickey and Verne. What a thrill. My sympathies to Johnny's family and friends.
I remember when I first met Johnny Carter and all of the Dells.
I was the guitarist/mD for the Vibrations and as a kid growing up in North Philly,the dells music has always been preeminent in my musical upbringing and when I finally had a chance to meet them at the Regal in Chicago,I was in awe.
Johnnys voice rang out like a bell and it will forever be etched in my memory.
R.I.O. Johnny...you are THE best.
Bobby Eli
Philly,Pa.
Very sad news indeed. I had the pleasure of seeing Johnny & the Dells perform live in the UK at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent. It sill remains one of THE BEST live performances i have ever seen.
My heart felt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Love & Peace.
GED
The Dells performance in the UK at Trentham Gardens will be a cherished memory forever.
The amount of people gathered to witness these true legends, many of whom would never normally be seen congregated together under one roof on the same night, said everything about the regard and esteem that the group are held in by UK R&B/Soul fans.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.
RIP Johnny Carter
Mark
ners
We are so sorry and saddened by your loss. The Dells were always in a class by themselves.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you and just remember Johnnie will
never die because the music and
memories of The Dells shall live on
forever.
Keep your hands in God's hand and know without a shadow of a doubt that He will see you through this
difficult time.
God Bless The Carter Family
God Bless The "Dells Family"
We love you and we care,
Family of The late Levi Stubbs Jr
A ONE HOUR TRIBUTE TO THE DELLS AND JOHNNY CARTER ON THE RIGHT TRACK SOUL SHOW
www.salfordcityradio.org.uk
on SUNDAY 30Th AUGUST 2009
AT 8.00pm UK TIME
YOU CAN LISTEN AGAIN CONTACT hassoulman@yahoo.co.uk FOR DETAILS Anyone Who Would Like To Go On Air Live And Say something About The Great Man Please contact Me On The hassoulman Email And We Will Call You Live a Favourite Song Or Just A Few Words By Email We Will Pass the Show And Any Emails To Johnny's Family
Harry & Diana
The Right Track Soul Show
Salford City Radio 94.4 fm
Sunday nights 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm
www.salfordcityradio.org
email: righttrack@salfordcityradio.org
http://www.therighttrack.org.uk
Studio Number: 0161 793 2944 / 2942
First and foremost we'd like to express our deepest sympathy to the
family of Johnnie Carter and also to the Dells.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We consider ourselves both fortunate and blessed to have grown up in the time when music was music.
What a great pleasure it was for us to share the stage with "The Mighty Dells". On many occasions
we had the opportunity to work together, performing our songs around the country,from city to city...what a joy it is was !!
So now we must say "thank you"...for the wonderful music that you so graciously shared with us down through the years...thank
you for the unmistakable, beautiful voice of Johnnie Carter, and thank you for those "golden, golden memories, we'll keep in our minds...and we'll always be ALWAYS TOGETHER"
May God bless you and forever keep you.
Much love and respect,
Enchantment & The Enchantment Family
DAVE AND MO FROM CHESTER ENGLAND. WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHYS TO THE FAMILY OF JOHNNY AND BAND MEMBERS OF THE DELLS.HE AND THE BAND HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY AND HAPINESS IN OUR HOUSEHOLD WITH THERE MUSIC FOR 40YRS.WE BOTH ATTENDED THE DELLS CONCERT AT TRENTHAM GARDENS A DREAM COME TRUE.HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL SOUL FANS ALIKE.RIP BIG FELLA SING WITH THE ANGELS
My sincere condolences to the entire group, band and Johnny Carter's family. I too am in mourning. I have enjoyed your music for over 40 years. As you know, my favorite song is "The Love We Had Stays On My Mind". God bless you all. Johnny, rest in peace. You will be truly missed.
Joyce L. Clarke
Your dedicated Fan
Very very sad news indeed. His recordings with the Dells and prior to that his very important contribution to the Flamingos '50's work have been an essential part of my and my wifes musical life since the mid 60's.
Having tried several unsuccessful times to catch them in the US we finally saw them (like other UK fans that I'm sure will post here)in Trentham Gardens in Stoke.
What a magnificent truly unforgettable experience that was.
I hope to be part of the Harry and Di radio show this Sunday night to celebrate Johnnys work.
Very sincere condolences to his family
John (and Mo) Marriott
He may have been selected by the group in something of a hurry, but what a truly inspirational choice. There followed over forty years of unrivalled vocal beauty and power.The interchange with Marvin and the rest of the group on 'The Love We Had' is surely soul perfection.
Johnny, I never met you, but I always feel close to you. Thank you and rest in peace. Gone, but never ever forgotten.
My thoughts are with the Dells and Johnny's family at this sad time.
Rob
Catford
London
England.
Along with Tyrone Davis,David Ruffin,Mr Carter was the voice of soul.God Bless you all at this time.Always Together.
Paulo Russelli (Mr Soul)XX
Liverpool UK.
So sad are the hearts of all Dell's fans for hearing of Johnnie's passing. 'Little Big Man' indeed. A voice and performance style truly bigger than life itself. His stratospheric falsetto beginning with 'Golden Teardrops' trough 'Wasted Tears' can never be forgotten. Johnnie was one of the true originators of what we call Doo-Wop and Soul. His legacy is assured anytime you hear the names 'Flamingos' or 'Dells'. My thoughts and prayers are with Johnnie's family, friends, and fans. Likewise to the family known as the Dells. Always have been, Always will be Together. And we, your fans, are together with you all as well. Bless you Johnnie. J.C. Hill
A friend sent me a link to a YouTube video... after having viewed it, I found myself on www.TheMightyDells.com... for the first time, I might add, and to my wonder... I learned of Johnny's passing! How fortunate I was to have grown up when I did, and to have enjoyed the wonderful music of The Mighty Dells. Whenever someone said, "The Dells," I thought of Johnny (in fact, I spoke of him as though I knew him). Living in Washington, DC, I was at every performance I could afford... to hear the wonderful group... sometimes I even saw them free at the Carter Barron... in fact, the last time I had the pleasure of seeing them it was at the Carter Barron (that was prior to my illness and subsequent disability). I was looking just the other day for my album, "Freedom Means." Couldn't find it. :-(
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Johnny Carter and The Mighty Dells... I was and still am in shock when I learned of his demise (on 10/3/09), but I know he is in a far better place! It will never cease to amaze me how important are the roles celebrities play in our lives.
Thank you, so very much, for the wonderful entertainment you have provided for all these years... I have enjoyed every moment. I will be certain to remember to add you to the list of groups for my sister's class... she is herself a performer.
Much love and peace to you all. Keep on keeping on, and touching the lives of your many, many fans.
Sincerely,
Andra Powell Henderson
My friend Gracie was your biggest fan....rest in peace Johnny Carter, God Loves you and so does Gracie
sorry to hear of the passing johnny carter. as a oldies dj here in philly( B/side Barry). the dells music and and your voice will live forever
The Dells are one of those few groups that have a "perfected sound." The first time I heard them sing in the 60's, I was hooked. Who knew decades later they would still be "Always Together" Thank you Johnny Carter for being part of a phenomenal group. Hope you are in a better place. RIP
OMFreakingGosh!! YES, I am a young buck but I am sitting at a concer(Four Tops/Stylistics/Ojays) with my favorite aunt and my favorite husband (hahaha!!) and realized how much I missed the Dells. So,
I decided to google "Dells Tour" dates because we are traveling to Chicago next week. My husband and I were extremely sad to find out he passed in August 2009. WOW!! I can't expressed what the Dells meant to me as a recently married young woman. The music went straight to my heart and soul. I honestly loved Mr. Carter. I read some of the comments and concur. If what he radiated on stage which came across as "GENUINE" is what he radiated in his personal life I am happy to have known him even if it was only as a concert goer. What a beautiful voice to go with a beautiful soul. God Bless Mr. Carter and his family. I pray that he is up yonder with Mahalia Jackson, David Ruffin, Sam Cooke and all the other "REAL VOICES" rejoicing!!
Johnny Carter is by far the Greatest Tenor ever in the history of Music, and I have worked with and been in association with some of the best. R I P Johnny. You blessed a lot of hearts, mine being one of them. Always. 1
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