8 August 2008
Ira Tucker and the Dixie Hummingbirds
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One of the grand old men of American gospel music, and one of the great singers of the 20th century, passed away recently and you probably didn't even hear about it. Ira Tucker, who died in Philadelphia on the 24th of June this year, was the flamboyant lead singer for gospel quartet the Dixie Hummingbirds for an amazing 70 years.
Pioneers of the modern gospel quartet sound, the Dixie Hummingbirds were one of the most enduring and successful groups of their time. Formed in 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina, the group started singing in the Bethel Church of God. In 1938 a teenage Ira Tucker joined and stayed until his death this year. The young Tucker had a baritone voice that surpassed most others with its range and strength, but Ira Tucker's showmanship also captivated audiences and congregations wherever the Dixie Hummingbirds played. He would jump off stages and race down aisles and many believe his style paved the way for soul singers like James Brown.
Further Information
The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation - Dixie Hummingbirds
The New York Times - Ira Tucker obituary
Tenzin Choegyal live
Brisbane listeners can see the Tibetan-Australian performer Tenzin Choegyal playing live in Brisbane this Thursday 7 August from 6.45pm. Go to Tenzin's website for details.
Music
CD title:
Looking Back - A Retrospective
Track title:
Christian Automobile/ Bedside of a Neighbor
Artist: Dixie Hummingbirds
CD details: 3XPlatinum Records TXP 10001
URL: http://www.vocalgroup.org/inductees/dixie_hummingbirds.html
CD title:
Testify - Disc 1
Track title:
Let's Go Out to the Programs
Artist: Dixie Hummingbirds
CD details: Rhino R2 75734
CD title:
The Gospel Sound of Spirit Feel
Track title:
Prayer Wheel
Artist: Dixie Hummingbirds
CD details: Spirit Feel Records SF 1012
CD title:
The Rough Guide to Gospel
Track title:
Heaven's Grocery Store
Artist: Dixie Hummingbirds
CD details: Rough Guiide RGNET 1090 CD
CD title:
There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Track title:
Loves Me Like a Rock
Artist: Paul Simon and the Dixie Hummingbirds
CD details: Columbia
Presenter
Geoff Wood
Producer
Geoff Wood
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