• AOL
  • MAIL
    • You might also like: 
    • Music | 
    • Movies | 
    • TV | 
    • Celebrity News
    •  and More
    Sign In / Register
Spinner
  • Main
  • Spinner RPM
  • Features
    • The Hit List
    • Spinner Interview
    • Tributes & Essays
    • Music Appreciation
  • Songs
    • Free MP3 of the Day
    • Play Full Albums Free
  • Videos
    • The Interface
    • Sessions
    • Video of the Day
    • All Videos
  • Radio
    • AOL Radio
    • AOL Radio Toolbar
    • Shoutcast
  • AOL Music Sites
    • The Boot
    • The BoomBox
    • Noisecreep
    • AOL Music Blog
  • SXSW
  • Send Feedback
  • Madonna

    Watch Madonna Halftime Show
  • Taylor Swift

    Watch Taylor Swift Beatboxing
  • Katy Perry

    Get Katy Perry News
  • Kristin Chenoweth

    Watch Kristin Chenoweth in Our Studio
  • Ringo Starr

    Read Ringo Starr Interview
  • Janet Jackson

    Super Bowl Halftime Bloopers
  • Kellie Pickler

    Read Kellie Pickler Interview
  • Chris Brown

    Chris Brown 'Wins' Unwelcome Award

Spinner Exclusives

  • The Interface - Live Performances
  • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free
  • Spinner Radio
  • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free

Features

  • Best Songs 2011
  • Top Albums of 2011
  • Sad Songs
  • Music Geeks in Film
  • Best Opening Lyrics

All Categories

  • Monthly Mixtape(1)
  • A Day in the Life(5)
  • All About Jazz(96)
  • Awards(231)
  • Free MP3 Download of the Day(1673)
  • Around the World(205)
  • Between the Notes(36)
  • Book Club(94)
  • Celebrity Doppelganger(18)
  • Clash of the Cover Songs(49)
  • Coming Out Stories(23)
  • Concerts and Tours(6841)
  • Count Five(83)
  • Exclusive(5974)
  • Guest Blogger(133)
  • Holy Hell(1016)
  • I Fought the Law(111)
  • I Freakin' Love This Song(252)
  • In House(12)
  • Listen Up!(18)
  • Movies(424)
  • Music Appreciation(123)
  • New Music(860)
  • New Releases(614)
  • News(12263)
  • PhotoSynthesis(88)
  • Picture Book(31)
  • Politics as Usual(61)
  • Pop Culture(92)
  • Potent Quotables(776)
  • Q + A(492)
  • Quizzes & Trivia(6)
  • R.I.P.(454)
  • Road Report(61)
  • Rock Almanac(366)
  • Rock Hall(44)
  • RPM(262)
  • Spinner Says(15)
  • Spinner Interview(212)
  • Television(243)
  • The Chum Bucket(777)
  • The Hit List(1388)
  • Twisted Tales(194)
  • Video(1783)
  • Video of the Day(1224)
  • What's That Song?(134)

R&B Singer Johnny Carter Dies at 75

  • Posted on Aug 22nd 2009 6:47PM by Liz Colville
  • Comments
Email This
Johnny Carter, who achieved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition for his doo-wop crooning with both the Dells and the Flamingos, died at a hospital in his hometown of Harvey, Illinois, early on Friday, according to the Quad-City Times. He had been battling lung cancer. "We have lost an incredible voice that graced two of the most significant vocal groups of all time," the Hall of Fame's CEO and president Terry Stewart said, adding that Carter, who was the last living founding member of the Flamingos, was "one of a select few artists inducted twice" into the Hall of Fame.

John E. Carter and four friends from a Chicago church choir formed the Flamingos, whose sound would have a great impact on the soul and R&B of the next two decades, in 1952. The group was known for singles like 'Golden Teardrops' and the R&B chart hit 'I'll Be Home,' sung from the perspective of a military serviceman, as well as 'I Only Have Eyes for You,' a remade pop track. The group had a handful lead singers and performed in a number of different configurations well into the '90s. Carter left the group to enlist in the military in 1957. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Dells also formed in 1952, in Carter's hometown of Harvey. Carter joined in 1960, replacing Johnny Funches as the lead singer. The group had had a hit with 'Oh, What a Night,' but broke into the big time when they auditioned and won the part of Dinah Washington's backup group. They also toured with Ray Charles. Their style was perfected and their influences expanded with the help of Quincy Jones, but it was undoubtedly the one-two punch of joint leads -- baritone Marvin Junior and falsetto tenor Johnny Carter -- that helped propel the group onto the charts. 'There Is,' their 1968 album, saw six hit singles including a new version of 'Oh, What a Night,' and 'Stay In My Corner,' a pioneering six-plus minutes in length.

Though the 1960s and 1970s saw the most hits, the Dells continued to release albums and compilations into this decade, and were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. The 1991 musical film 'The Five Heartbeats' is in part inspired by the lives of the Dells.

Watch the group in a performance of their signature 1968 version of 'Oh, What a Night':

  • Filed under: News, R.I.P.
  • Email This

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Beyonce, Carnegie Hall: Singer Shows…

The Boombox

Courtesy of Beyonceonline.com Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy was likely tucked…

Katy Perry Divorce: With No Prenup How…

AOL Music Blog

Jason Merritt, Getty Images It was shocking enough when Russell Brand…

Manraze 'Take on the World': Phil…

Noisecreep

Helen Collen He might be most famous for his guitar and songwriting work in…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum
31

37 Comments

Filter by:
George

I like to thank brother Gossem of the 25th sig batlon for turning me on to the Dells in 1975 at Fort Bragg NC.

Dells Forever!!!!!!!!!

March 03 2010 at 9:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Michael DeArmey

Johnny Carter is on the left with the green shirt and brown vest. He is the main lead singer. If you don't believe this, look at his picture on a Flamingos album cover. Mr. Hicks of the Continentals doesn't know what he's talking about. Reefer, I guess.

November 19 2009 at 11:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
lena daley

Both groups and all their music are the sound tracks of my life. That is the music that we made love with , wash the dishes with, clean the house with,ringing in my ears when the teacher was trying to teach us and that music will be with until the day I die and beyond.

October 13 2009 at 11:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
C.Rease

We were an up and coming singing group. We sang on the Dells Review in Oakland.We looked up to them,because they are a class act.Johnny Carter is one of the greatest first tenors of all time.Johnny Carter, Eddie Kendricks and our member Marvin Myers Jr. makes the Lords choir sound like the angels they truly are.
God Bless All,C.Rease

October 05 2009 at 6:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Smuthchoco56

A true classic, and you can hear every word!

September 26 2009 at 11:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Renee D.

Since I live in Chicago, I have seen the Dells many times and it was worth it every single time. I also got a chance to talk to them several times and they were really down to earth. Marvin's voice is so powerful and Johnny could break a glass when he hit those hit notes. Oh, and we can't forget Chuck who has that low sexy voice. It was something to see. I wonder if they will perform now since Johnny has gone on home to glory. RIP Johnny Carter.

August 27 2009 at 2:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Carl Skinner

I recently lost my wife, and the Dells " Always Togther", with Mr. on lead is one of my all times favorites. Though our air turn to silver, golden memories will remain, what a voice. he left a legacy.

Carl Skinner

August 25 2009 at 8:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Ellen

I miss doo wop music on the radio. I've always blamed the British Invasion for taking over this great American sound of harmonizing. Thank goodness for the PBS specials where we can still see and hear most of these old doo wop groups. It's only when I hear of the sad passing of one of these great group members that I realize just how long ago it was that we sang and danced their 'story telling' music. We'll never enjoy that pleasure again.... alas !

August 24 2009 at 8:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Hank

in my humble opinon, Johnny Carter's "Cry" is probably one of the most beautiful ballad's of the Doo Wop era.
I just played it and as always it completely choked me up.

August 24 2009 at 8:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
jwdirtybird

I can just imagine the choir the good Lord listens to on a daily basis!You know it's the most beautiful sound any could possibly imagine!!!!

August 24 2009 at 8:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Load more comments

Follow Us

  • Newsletter
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Sign Up for Spinner's Newsletter! Get free MP3s, play a selection of each week's new albums free, read features, win sweet music swag and more!




  • Contact Us
  • Send News Tips
  • Advertise with Us

SIGN UP FOR SPINNER'S NEWSLETTER

  • Get free MP3s, play a selection of each week's new albums free, read features, win sweet music swag and more!

  • Sign Up!

AOL Radio

Listen to Slacker AOL Radio Now
play arrow
Top Indie - Today's best indie rock and pop
play arrow
Indie Rock Mix - A mix of new and old indie rock
play arrow
New Indie First - The latest in indie music
Online Radio Guide

Listen to Full CDs

  • Paul McCartney, 'Kisses on the Bottom'
  • Sharon Van Etten, 'Tramp'
  • AIR, 'Le Voyage Dans La Lune'
  • Bahamas, 'Barchords'
  • Band of Skulls, 'Sweet Sour'
  • Play More Albums Free

Most Popular

  • Madonna Super Bowl Halftime Show: Romans, Cheerleaders and MIA's Middle Finger
    Like

    195

  • Super Bowl Halftime Bloopers: 10 Huge Mistakes on the Big Stage
    Like

    343

  • Randy Travis Apologizes for Public Intoxication
    Like

    237

  • M.I.A., Fiance Benjamin Bronfman Split, Singer Rarely Sees Son -- Report
    Like

    46

  • Puddle of Mudd Singer Arrested in January for Drug Possession
    Like

    123

  • The Best Colleges For The Socially Awkward Student
    Like

    2K

  • Randy Travis Arrested in Texas
    Like

    234

  • Josh Powell's Last Words: 'I Am Not Able To Go On Anymore': Report
    Like

    952

  • Cee Lo's Super Bowl Strip Club Outing: Singer Reportedly Drops $10K
    Like

    44

  • WATCH: Gisele Curses Drops By Patriots Receivers
    Like

    1K

  • Thudda Boy Dead: Rapper Brondon McDaniel Dies From Gunshot Wound
    Like

    40

  • The Worst Super Bowl Commercials Of 2012
    Like

    80

  • Miranda Lambert's Dog Dies
    Like

    48

  • Boys Blown Up By Dad Allegedly Talked About Mom's Disappearance
    Like

    565

  • Miranda Lambert Makes Emotional Return to On Fire Tour
    Like

    16

  • PHOTOS: Rihanna Shows Off Everything In Sheer Top
    Like

    79

  • Powell 911 Call Released: Cops Declare Investigation Of Missing Mom A Murder Case
    Like

    228

  • Laura Linney's Colorful Frocks
    Like

    9

  • Blast Kills Missing Woman's Husband, 2 Sons (PHOTOS)
    Like

    2K

  • Powell Boys Suffered 'Chop Injuries' Before Explosion
    Like

    451

  • PHOTOS: Anti-Gay Protesters Getting Pwned
    Like

    1K

  • WATCH: Father Of Missing Alaska Barista Increases Reward
    Like

    438

  • Celebrities Tweet The Super Bowl
    Like

    25

  • PHOTOS: Madonna Vogues In Givenchy
    Like

    296

  • Prop 8, California's Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Declared Unconstitutional
    Like

    16K

  • WATCH: The Super Bowl Ads You Can't Watch In Canada
    Like

    308

  • Freakish Fossil Upends Ideas About Origins Of Animal Life
    Like

    224

  • Missing Alaska Barista Had Filed Restraining Order Against Man
    Like

    224

  • PHOTOS: Massive Whale Shark Reeled Into Harbor
    Like

    1K

  • PHOTOS: Long Live Queen Elizabeth II & Her Style
    Like

    46

  • 1 Can Of Paint, 25 Different Ways
    Like

    111

  • Passenger Sues Costa Over Miscarriage
    Like

    122

  • VOTE: The Best Super Bowl Ad
    Like

    628

Also on AOL

Quick Links

  • Slipknot Masks
  • Saddest Songs
  • Funny Music Videos
  • SXSW 2011

Also on AOL Music

  • Concert Tickets
  • Grammys 2012
  • Music Videos
  • New Music Releases

Blogs on AOL

  • Country Music
  • Hip Hop Music
  • Metal Music
  • Pop Music News

More on AOL

  • Best Lyrics
  • Best Metal Songs
  • Break Up Songs
  • Online Radio

More on AOL

  • Christmas Music
  • Classic Rock Songs
  • Best Songs of 2010
  • SHOUTcast

Help Links

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • About Our Ads
  • Follow Spinner on Twitter
  • The Interface
  • Free MP3
  • Full CDs
  • RSS

Spinner.com © 2011 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.