Verne Allison, a founding member and longtime second tenor of legendary soul group The Dells, has died at 90. The veteran singer helped shape the group’s unmistakable harmonies and enduring R&B influence over six decades.
While lead vocalists Marvin Junior and Johnny Carter often drew the spotlight, Allison provided a crucial foundation for The Dells’ signature sound. He also contributed as a songwriter, penning tracks including “Dry Your Eyes” and “Movin’ On.”
The group’s journey began in Harvey, Illinois, during the early 1950s. Allison joined Junior, Charles “Chuck” Barksdale, Johnny Funches and brothers Michael “Mickey” and Lucius McGill to form the El-Rays. They later became The Dells, launching a remarkable career that helped define American soul music.
Their breakthrough arrived in 1956 with “Oh What a Night,” a doo-wop classic released through Vee-Jay Records. A serious automobile accident nearly derailed their progress two years later. However, the group eventually reunited, with former Flamingos vocalist Carter replacing Funches.
The Dells’ Verne Allison Dead At 90
By the mid-1960s, The Dells had perfected a distinctive blend of doo-wop, jazz and soul. Junior’s gritty baritone complemented Carter’s soaring falsetto, while Allison, McGill and Barksdale delivered the rich harmonies behind hits like “Stay in My Corner,” “There Is” and “Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation.”
Their collaboration with producer Charles Stepney produced another landmark moment. The group released the album Freedom Means and the timeless soul ballad “The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind).”
Decades later, The Dells reached younger audiences through Robert Townsend’s 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. The group recorded “A Heart Is a House for Love” for the soundtrack, earning another R&B hit.
Allison’s resilience extended beyond music. After successful triple-bypass heart surgery in 2000, he returned to performing with his longtime bandmates.
The Dells entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and effectively retired from performing in 2012. Allison later appeared in the 2022 “Missin’ You” video alongside his son, Verne “VA” Allison Jr., and fellow member Mickey McGill.
With Allison’s passing, McGill becomes the last surviving member of The Dells’ classic lineup. Allison leaves behind a musical legacy built on harmony, perseverance and timeless soul.