In Remembrance of Johnny Carter

2009-08-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

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

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-01-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

FAQs and Answers from The Dells

Thanks for taking the time to email us and share your interests in our music!

In an effort to get through all of the emails (and the spam!), we are posting answers on a bi-weekly basis to our blog. Thus you won't receive a personal email, but you will receive an email that lets you know that you can find your answer on the blog.

Thanks for your patience with us.

Is there a soundtrack to the movie “The Five Heartbeats”?
Yes, it is available at most music stores or try online stores such as Amazon.com.

Is the song “On My Wedding Day” available?
This song, written by Mickey McGill, is not available for download. Unfortunately, it is only available on archived records. Remember the old 45s?

Where can I find The Dells music?
The Dells have several CDs available for purchase at most retail music stores or online stores (example: Amazon.com).

Bobby Miller

2006-03-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

The music industry still fails to give props to songwriter/producer, the great
Bobby Miller. Here are some of his masterpieces.

1.Stay In My Corner.... The Dells
2.Always Together... The Dells
3.There Is... The Dells
4.Love is Blue / I can sing a rainbow (producer)