DELTA RHYTHM BOYS (1943-46) Photo archive

Delta Rhythm Boys. 1943-46. Photos. Los Angeles: Various, [1943-1946]. Set of four vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white glossy silver gelatin photos. Fine.

American vocal group the Delta Rhythm Boys had a long history together of over fifty years between 1934 and 1987. Though there were several members throughout the years, bass Lee Gaines and pianist Rene DeKnight were with the group for the entire run. Formed at Langston University in 1934, they gained fame in New Orleans and worked their way onto radio, the Broadway stage and in movies. In 1956 the group went to Europe where they remained in demand until Lee’s death in 1987.

Included are a portrait of the five men ca. 1942; for an appearance in So’s Your Uncle (1942 Universal), Bring on the Girls (1944 Paramount), and the 1946 Universal short Banquet of Miracles (with paper blurb on verso).