ArtistInfo

The Dixie Hummingbirds

Band, *1928 US, Greenville, South Carolina
R&B/Soul

Legendary gospel group founded in 1928 by 12 year old James Davis and his classmates. It became famous when Ira Tucker became its lead singer in 1938 and the group signed with Decca Records, ushering in the hard singing style of gospel music's 1940s and 1950s golden age. The group recorded a number of albums for Peacock Records in the 1950s and 1960s. The group performed at the integrated jazz club Cafe Society in 1942, 1966 Newport Jazz Festival and backed up Paul Simon on his 1973 hit Loves Me Like A Rock. Ira Tucker sang with the group unti he died in 2008 from heart disease but the "Birds" still perform with new members Tucker guided until his death.

Members

	James Davis voc, perc, dr 1917-2007 US
	Beachey Thompson voc, ts US
	William Bobo b, voc 1921-1976 US
	Ira Tucker voc 1925-2008 US
	Ira Tucker, Jr.
	Jimmy Bryant voc, b US
	Paul Owens voc 1924-2002 US
	James Walker voc 1926-1992 US
	Lyndon Baines Jones voc, eg
	James Williams voc
	William Bright voc
	Howard Carroll g US
	Robin Leonard