Dells, The – The Complete Early Singles Collection CD (Hallmark)

One of the longest lasting R&B vocal groups, The Dells enjoyed a hit laden career of some sixty years, commencing in 1952 and coming to a halt in 2012. There was also a two year hiatus when the group disbanded following a major road traffic accident, but to all intents and purposes The Dells established a longevity record that is unlikely to be bettered.

This compilation gathers together their various single releases between 1952 and 1962, a ten year period during which time they made their chart debut with Oh What A Nite, a Top Five R&B hit in 1956. That same song would be re-recorded in 1969 and become a Top Ten pop and number one R&B hit, but the unpolished original is still worthy of attention. Other stand out tracks to look out for include (Bossa Nova) Bird and Darling I Know, the latter their very first single release.