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Marvin Junior Obituary
The cause was kidney and heart problems, said his son Marvin Jr.
Iron Throat is what David Ruffin, the former lead singer of the Temptations, once called Junior. "Two tons of fun" is what he called himself. He grew up hoping to be the next Ray Charles and eventually inspired other singers, including Teddy Pendergrass. His voice was huge and versatile - it often reached into tenor territory - and it held up through more than two dozen albums and 57 years of performing. Unlike some other acts of their era, the Dells had no angry breakups and few personnel changes. "They grew up together and they never let the industry separate them," Junior's son said. "They didn't let anybody separate them." Junior wrote the Dells' first hit, "Oh What a Nite," with the group's Johnny Funches. Originally released in 1956, it was rerecorded with a new arrangement in 1969 and released as "Oh, What a Night." Many more hits would follow, including "Stay in My Corner," which was originally released in 1965 and also rerecorded and released again in 1969. The reworked versions of both songs went to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and reached the Top 10 on the pop chart.
Among the Dells' other hits were "I Touched a Dream," "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation" and "The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind)."
The Dells consisted of five members: a trio of harmony singers (Verne Allison, Mickey McGill and Chuck Barksdale for a vast majority of the group's existence) and the baritone-falsetto counterpoint of Junior and Johnny Carter, a former member of the Flamingos, who replaced Funches in 1960.
"I describe it as thunder and lightning," Junior's son said of the two men's performing dynamic. "Johnny would set it up with the lightning, then Marvin would come with the thunder."
The Dells served as consultants, and an inspiration, for "The Five Heartbeats," Robert Townsend's 1991 film about a fictitious singing group. Townsend spent time touring with the Dells while doing research for the film. "A Heart Is a House for Love,'' which the Dells recorded for the film's soundtrack, reached the Top 100.
The Dells were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Carter died in 2009, and the Dells have not performed since then.
Marvin Junior was born on Jan. 31, 1936, in Harold, Ark. His family moved to Illinois when he was a boy.
In addition to Marvin Jr., he is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, the former Ruby Caldwell; two other sons, Shawn and Todd; three daughters, Faye Jones and Latanya and Toya Junior; 10 gr andchildren; and a brother, Jack Dabon.
Most of the original members of the Dells met while they were students at Thornton Township High School in Harvey. For a long time they practiced under an overpass in the Chicago suburb.
"It had good acoustics," Marvin Junior Jr. said.
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
232 Entries
Marzella Cleveland
August 20, 2025
One of the greatest voices ever. RIP
James brown
June 30, 2025
The best male voice ever. Not the voice of men who sound like women. Junior´s voice made you proud to be a man.
Linda Jordan
December 6, 2024
I miss the Dells so much, grew up in Chicago and still listen to them. Love Marvin's voice. RIP Marvin and your still with me.
Kim Robinson
November 13, 2024
I just heard one of the Dells great songs and his baritone voice sent chills through me. So sorry to hear he passed away
How you can show support
Stephanie Mizelle
October 17, 2024
Continue to R.I.P. Marvin Junior.
His voice was out of this world. I Loved the Dells. My Condolences to the Family.
R Denny
October 15, 2024
Thank you for all those years of some of the greatest music I ever heard.
Melvin C Jackson
October 5, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the fan of Marvin junior and the rest of the deals family that have passed on I thank you for the blessing of song that you gave us your voice was like a trumpet a powerful trumpet thank you bless you in Glory of your transition.
neale parker
June 4, 2024
It was the summer 1967 & 68 and it was the most fun time coming outta high school. The Dells from that time frame on until 1974 was the all-time favorite group. The music set the tone for my relationship(s) in both college & life. From Stay in my corner, Always together, There is, Open up my heart today, Standing Ovation , I can sing a Rainbow ,The song with THE DRAMATICS, & every song ever recorded helped to shape my life. I firmly believe that maybe 3 groups allowed me to become who I am today because of the music they presented. The lyrics in most cases allowed me to grow. Just wanna say thanks to Marvin & all of the Dells for what they really mean to me.
Rest in Power
Ernestine Goodall
November 22, 2023
To to great Legends gone to soon I grew up in the 60's listing to the Dell's , tempting temptations, mighty o'jays and other's RIP Marvin - Johnny Carter
Vee
August 20, 2023
One of the best! RIP
Terry Oguinn
August 16, 2023
I am 60 years old and this is my first time seeing The Dells perform Stay in my Corner 1972 performance and I tell you I'm truly mesmerized I will never forget seeing and hearing some of the greatest harmonizing voices ever!! I love you Marvin and the gang Thank you all and RIP Marvin and Johnny
Sandra Lackey
July 17, 2023
There's a great choir performing in heaven right now. Loved your voice Marvin.
Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq.
April 8, 2023
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with The Dells for many years. Aside from being consummate professionals, they were genuinely good men who valued loyalty, dedication, family and most of all, Black women. The talent was and is matchless and Marvin Junior had an innate feel for delivery that has no equal. I miss The Dells and feel quite fortunate to have had that episode in my life. Love to Mickey and Verne, the last two standing.
James
March 15, 2023
Love the dells and Marvin voice was great god bless them with a long career.
Joyce Ford
February 9, 2023
I loved his voice, so unique and beautiful at the same time.
BARBARA SMITH
September 18, 2022
WATCHING THE DELLS ON YOUTUBE CONCERT 1972 WITH JOY OF THE MUSIC AND THE PAIN OF LOSS OF THE MOST PROFOUND TALENT I MISS YOU AND THE GUYS THAT HAD CROSSED OVER. REST IN THE ARMS OF THE ANGELS AND THE HEAVENLY CHOIR. RUBY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
GREG PHILLIPS
May 16, 2022
THE MAN'S VOICE WAS A GIFT FROM GOD.
August 21, 2021
Amazing singer and performer never disappointed at any of his concerts
Jacqueline Morgan
August 31, 2020
I love all the songs that he and his group have made and I also had love Marvin Junior of the Dells I wish he was still alive today.
Janice Salaam
April 16, 2020
Oh what a night, the Dells were at the Dell in Phila, Pa. I always remember just sitting in disbelief, when Marvin held that high note. No matter how many time I heard him do it, it seem to be the first time for me. Miss those guys!
Dannie Harris
January 16, 2020
What a great man great v Voice he will be missed by many
November 17, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My condolence
William Johnson
November 2, 2019
Mr. Marvin will always hold a special place in my music foundation due to being a child raised by a mom that had to play all the greatest songs of The Dells. Keep making music for the Angelic Choir. R.I.P.
DAVID LEE
October 1, 2019
YOUR TALENT WAS UNDENIABLE AND YOU AND YOUR FELLOW DELLS WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YEARS AND YEARS TO COME.
HARRIS NEAL
September 20, 2019
THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE HAPPENED BETWEEN 1967-70 WITH THE MUSIC PROVIDED BY MARVIN & THE DELLS . AS A STUDENT ENTERING COLLEGE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND BEING ON THE DATING SCENE THE MUSIC PROVIDED BY THE DELLS WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION FOR AN EXCELLENT TIME & DEVELOPING DEEP RELATIONSHIPS. FROM "STAY IN MY CORNER" "TO OPEN UP MY HEART" BLAST . WHENEVER I VISIT THE WINDY CITY , I AM REMINDED OF THE DELLS . OH , THOSE WERE THE DAYS !
September 6, 2019
for the family We have lost a legend
Talatha Allen
July 1, 2019
Thank you Marvin Jr. Music will never be the same. " Oh What A Night" your voice will be missed profoundly for countless years to come. You and the group were truly one of the best.
A true fan.
TJ
June 15, 2019
Love you so much
abbas ansari
May 21, 2019
The man sang from the bottom of his soul. The strength and robust of his performances will stand the test of time right along with Levi Stubbs,Teddy Pendergrass, David Ruffin and other great baritones of soul music.
Larry Gladney
March 9, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I love the way his voice attack the songs.
sandra johnson
September 9, 2018
Marvin Junior..you.me and your music we're "Always Together".. loving the Dells for so long.
Deborah Carroll
February 2, 2018
Heartfelt sympathy to kin and friend. Mr Marvin Junior(the Dells)sang the soundtrack to my life. The Dells were classy and timeless. He was the 'thunder'. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the loving fans. He is gone from sight but never forgotten. May he REST in HEAVEN. May your FAITH be a blanket of comfort until you are reunited in ETERNITY.
Toyia Di Lisio
January 5, 2018
Mr. Marvin Junior, You Had One Of The Greatest Voices Of ALL Times. You Are Truly Missed God Bless You Always. I Miss You So Much Saw You In Philly And I Will Never Forget That Moment. Watch It On Video Every Day. The Love We Had Stays On My Mind. I'll Never Will Forget You Baby , OMG.
Shawn Hernandez
November 15, 2017
Where do I start I love the Dells and I see them on you tube everyday. Mr. Marvin Jr's voice is so awesome the Dells will live on forever in my heart. Some songs were done before I was born, and some
After. I will continue to listen to you everyday
May you continue to Rest In Heaven
Betty Hines
August 30, 2017
I will never forget you and you wonderful voice. Rest in Peace. Heaven will enjoy your wonderful singing.
You were were my favorite singer of the group. Still listening to you. My belated condolences to the family.
Valenda Newell
August 25, 2017
"STAY IN MY CORNER", "STANDING OVATION", "CAN SING A RAINBOW"......This was the BEST slow dancing music in the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's......MARVIN's voice was superb, and talk about holding a note..WOW!! no one could compare.....GREAT..GREAT MUSIC!!..I will always listen to THE DELLS......MUCH LOVE❤
Patricia P
August 20, 2017
Just learned how to view my iPhone. Wanted to say I loved Marvin Junior's voice, I loved the dells. R I Paradise, well done faithful servant.
August 7, 2017
My favorite singer!
Selena Burt
August 7, 2017
The best singers ever!!!!
free bird
June 25, 2017
thank you marvin,a standing ovation for you,you earned it.rest now in the arms of the angels.
SARAH SMILE
June 24, 2017
MARVIN had a mission,he Came with those Thunderbolt Vocals,he Conquered the hearts of anyone who listened,he Went,like all Angels,he had to go Home.so we shall always have a huge part of Marvin when we enjoy The Dells songs.Rest in the arms of the LORD.
GIGI WILLIS
June 8, 2017
Marvin Junior may you rest in peace and in heaven I know you are singing with the angels you surely will be missed we all enjoyed your outstanding voice such harmony such class we love you and thank you for sharing your voice so many years a true fan
LOUIS NEAL
May 27, 2017
fond memories of you, the dells, thornton high , and west Harvey, il, the pool hall, JACK.MELVIN, AND 'FAN'
Sadie
May 1, 2017
Oh what a night.....
Karen (K K) Robinson
April 21, 2017
Thank you Marvin for sharing your wonderful voice for so many years. I've listened to you from the 60's to the present; I watch your videos, and it's like you are still here performing. Continue to rest in peace..."The Dell's Forever..."
Edith Beck
March 17, 2017
He, and the other Dells, were wonderful entertainers and America will never forget the Dells! Thanks Marvin for the lifetime of wonderful music and memories.
C. Bowie
December 25, 2016
Junior is one of my favorite singers. Wow! What a voice. RIP and sing with the angels!
December 25, 2016
Junior is one of my favorite singers. Wow! What a voice. RIP and sing with the angels!
Suki Washington
December 5, 2016
A Real Balladeer! 2016... Still missing that voice. Rest in peace my brother.
December 4, 2016
Thank you for making such great music!
Suki Washington
December 4, 2016
Real R&B in 2016!
Laverne Matthews
November 12, 2016
I watch the Dell's music moments on YouTube every day and i remember my mother listening to them as a young girl and i just enjoy hearing marvin junior voice and i know it's was a gift from god
Nikki Holloway
September 26, 2016
Listening to "I Touched A Dream" right now. OMG Marvin's voice is amazing. I love the Dells. ❤❤❤ R.I.Paradise Marvin. Your legacy lives on and will continue for years to come. I'm 41 and my 18 yr old son loves the Dells.
August 22, 2016
i want to one day Touch A Dream
Jeanette Furtick
July 30, 2016
May God continue to bless you.
Valenda Newell
July 8, 2016
The DELLS the best 70's singing group of its time. I still play their music today. The music is so authentic, THE BEST SOUL MUSIC THAT LAST FOREVER..........GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
Wanda Telford
June 5, 2016
Marvin you gave me so many wonderful moments when i played your records.Your voice just sent me over the moon.I will always remember the fun and joy i had listening to that wonderful instrument of yours.
Shirley White
February 14, 2016
To the memory of love songs through his voice...a soul now resting
Cyndi Crawford
December 29, 2015
I saw my Mom cry while dancing to "Stay In My Corner". Now I know why 50+
years later I now hear & feel what she felt while dancing to this song. I Love Marvin Juniors voice. Classic R&B. No one sings like him.
shirley jones
December 22, 2015
RIP
fred phillips
December 2, 2015
marvin i just started to listen to the dells. i wish i had earlier. love the voice man and rest in peace.
Geradl Phipps
August 21, 2015
Thank you Marvin...for that voice that still blesses me as you sing my favorite R&B song of all times....
jack harrison
August 14, 2015
Saw them and Marvin at Trentham Gardens. Awesome. Best live group I have ever seen.
August 3, 2015
Thank you Marvin...for your one of a kind voice...Larceda Thomas
Denise Jones
July 14, 2015
To the greatest singer in the world, rest in peace.
kathy Campbell
April 27, 2015
Rest in peace Marvin
nicky gionta
March 18, 2015
Thank you Marvin for the great music and memories over the years. "CLASSIC" group ,sound, and songs. Loved very much in the NY area. "Oh what a night" in Rock & Roll" heaven.....RIP..........
Angelo&Josephine Franco
January 13, 2015
We will see you in the res
urrection,sleep well my fiend.It has been a pleasure,when we see you, we will all give you a standing ovation.
robert l brown
December 24, 2014
thank the lord for a loving person
Lois Weiss
October 24, 2014
Miss Junior. I continue to listen to my collection RIP! YOU TOUCHED A DREAM.
Mguel Cabazas
June 24, 2014
May Marvin Junior rest in peace but his voice will carry on forever. Thank you for all the great music which i still enjoy. May God Bless the Marvin Junior Family.
May 10, 2014
walter c. vaught jr.
Nazarene Mckinney
April 30, 2014
We grew up listening to The Dells. What beautiful music The Dells and all the other R & B singers made. Thanks for sharing your gifted voice. Wishing the family peace and comfort.
Joseph Tabangcura
February 9, 2014
God bless your soul Marvin,you brought so much meaning and soul with the thunder/soft touch,your truly missed still,but alive in spirit.
bill johnson
February 1, 2014
In st louis 1967 first time hearing the dells marvin junior voice made him my favorite im still shock but know that need him more thank you family for sharing him with fans im glad i seen them perform in 2002 in cincinnati ohio at music hall turn it out)
February 1, 2014
Mr. Marvin Junior's voice touched millions of fans like myself. It's rare to hear someone who can sing with such force and stay in key. My prayers are with the family
Debra Straughn
January 26, 2014
Our condolence to the family.
James Straughn
Debra Day-Straughn
Donna Bianchis
January 5, 2014
May god bless and be with you. Love the dells. Especially the love we had stays on my mind thank you for all the good memories. One of my favorite r&b group
Farmer
December 30, 2013
To the family of Marvin Jr, he will truly be missed around the world but mostly in our hearts. I am not from his era, but listening to the music he and the Dell's made takes my mind beyond time.Thanks you for sharing your Marvin with us. May God gave you comfort in your time of grief.
Fans of the Dells
A. M.
December 1, 2013
My condolences to Marvins family. May God bless them and provide comfort in this time of need. Will be greatly missed. Great singer/group. Saw him perform several times. I believe the last time was at the Beacon theatre in NYC. Grew up listening to the Dells in the 6o's. Loved them then and still do. They have given us a great gift in their talent and music. So many great songs, It is hard to name a favorite for there are too many. Each and every time we lose such great talent it makes me sad. R.IP Marvin, love you and thank you. Thank God for youtube and my 45's. This music will never die. We will never have music like theirs again.
Michelle
November 16, 2013
To The Junior Family:
So sorry for your loss..Just listening to my favorite by The Dells...The Love We Had Stays On My Mind..Just Love It..Ive seen The Dells so many times when they came to Detroit, MI..I now live in London England UK...Stay Strong Junior Family and To The Remaining Dells Members My Prayers Are With You All...
Dennis Johnston
October 10, 2013
Oh What a Night! An unforgettable memory.
Norris miller
September 7, 2013
You will be surely missed. Enjoy your music - that voice like no other - that made you stood out - Will continue to listening your music.
sherry edington
August 3, 2013
May you find comfort in knowing that Marvin was loved by everyone. My prayers are with you.
Ms White
July 31, 2013
To the family and friends of Marvin Juinior,
My deepest sympathy to you regarding the loss of your loved one. May you all have peace from God who comforts all those who mourn and will soon wipe every tear from our eyes.
Michele Perry
July 27, 2013
The Dells were a terrific group. These were the sounds that I listened to as a baby boomer. Rest in peace Mr. Junior. My prayers and thoughts are with your wife, children, and grandchildren.
Clarence Block
July 18, 2013
I have always loved the music of the Dells. They were the real deal, and like the groups of the past, did not need studio tricks to sing.
Darrielle Mason
July 9, 2013
My prayers go out for the family of Marvin Junior. May the Holy Spirit comfort the family at this difficult time.
John Thompson
July 7, 2013
One of the Black community family greatest singer, song writer, Marvin Junior, lead singer of the Dells.
When I was in my 30's & 40's and to now, I always thought, "What this world would be without the soothing
and soulful sound of the Dells." I met the group in Compton California, in the 70's. By fate, strangest thing
about our meeting, for whatever reason, I had the Dells first album, "Oh What A Night." and brought it to California with me.
I purchased this album in 1958, in the Bronx at 17 years old. Anyway, a lady wanted to see their show and meet
her cousin, a member of the band. To make a long story short, I went backstage, met the group and got all their
signatures on the first album. Marvin and I stayed in touch until the film, "The Five Heartbeats."
He later changed his number and I lost contact. I saw them again at "Sweet Waters Club" in Manhattan, and
they signed another album. Truly, a void in my life in turn of music. I have played the Dells songs at least once a week for the past 59 years. We truly miss you.
July 2, 2013
I'm really saddened by the passing of Marvin Junior. The Dells has always been my favorite all time singing group. I was always at their shows when they performed at DAR (Constitution Hall). He will be missed greatly. Heaven has a new great voice.
jack jackson
June 17, 2013
mr junior rest in peace I have enjoyed the dells through the years I just wish that had a chance to see the group, well you and mr carter, mr gay mr brown mr davis will light up heavens choir my heart goes out to the family, your voice will live forever
lynn smith
June 14, 2013
Well another great voice has joined the heavenly choir!!!!! We are going to miss you Mr. Junior you truly were a great singer and entertainer. I Love The Dells music, my two favorite songs are "always together" and "oh! what a night",of course I love all the dells music!!!! Thank-you for the music and may you now rest in peace with God!!!!
RITA OROZCO
June 12, 2013
I have been waiting to see the Dells in concert...now I have to wait to hear them in heaven...what a great singer...R.I.P
cassandra ali
June 11, 2013
Marvin Junior, I am a big fan of the Dells for many years, there will never be a voice like yours. You will truly be missed and I wish I could have seen the group in concert. Love and miss you. RIP. God bless you and your family
walter jones sr.
June 10, 2013
One of the best lead singers ever has gone on to lead the choir in heaven.May God continue to bless and keep his family together.
s jackson
June 10, 2013
Soul Heaven will welcome one of its children! R.I.P
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