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R&B Singer Johnny Carter Dies at 75

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':

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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 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 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 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 rate up rate down Reply
Smuthchoco56

A true classic, and you can hear every word!

September 26 2009 at 11:42 AM Report abuse 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 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 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 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 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 rate up rate down Reply