The Del-Vikings were an American doo-wop group, significant for being one of the first racially integrated musical groups to achieve mainstream success in the 1950s. They are best known for their 1957 hit singles "Come Go with Me" and "Whispering Bells."
History
Formation and Early Years (1955-1956) The group was formed in 1955 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by five members of the U.S. Air Force stationed at the then-Greater Pittsburgh Air Force Base. The original lineup consisted of Clarence Quick (bass), Corinthian "Kripp" Johnson (lead tenor), Donald "Gus" Backus (baritone), David Lerchey (first tenor), and Norman Wright (second tenor). Their unique characteristic was their racial makeup: Quick, Johnson, and Wright were African American, while Backus and Lerchey were white. This integration was groundbreaking in the racially segregated music industry of the era.
They began performing at local military clubs and eventually caught the attention of local record producer Joe Averbach.
Rise to Fame and Major Hits (1957) In early 1957, The Del-Vikings released "Come Go with Me" on the independent label Fee Bee Records (a subsidiary of Dot Records). The song, written by Clarence Quick, became a massive success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the R&B Best Sellers chart. Its distinctive vocal harmonies and upbeat tempo made it a classic of the doo-wop genre.
Following the success of "Come Go with Me," internal conflicts and legal issues arose. Due to military commitments and contractual disputes, the group fractured. Kripp Johnson, Donald Backus, and David Lerchey, along with new members Arthur "Art" Blakely and Chuck Jackson (replacing Clarence Quick and Norman Wright), formed a separate group and signed with Mercury Records, where they released "Whispering Bells" in mid-1957. This track also became a significant hit, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Meanwhile, Clarence Quick and Norman Wright formed another version of The Del-Vikings, signing with Dot Records. This led to two active groups simultaneously touring and recording under variations of the same name, causing confusion for fans and radio stations.
Later Years and Legacy Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, both iterations of The Del-Vikings continued to record, but neither achieved the same level of success as their initial hits. Kripp Johnson remained a constant figure in various lineups of the group for decades.
The Del-Vikings are remembered not only for their smooth vocal harmonies and hit songs but also for their pioneering role as an integrated group. Their success helped pave the way for other multi-racial acts and contributed significantly to the sound of early rock and roll and R&B. "Come Go with Me" remains a staple on oldies radio and has been featured in numerous films and television shows, cementing its status as an enduring classic.
Notable Members (Original and Key Lineups)
- Clarence Quick (Bass, primary songwriter)
- Corinthian "Kripp" Johnson (Lead Tenor)
- Donald "Gus" Backus (Baritone)
- David Lerchey (First Tenor)
- Norman Wright (Second Tenor)
- Arthur "Art" Blakely (Tenor, later lineup)
- Chuck Jackson (Tenor, later lineup)
Discography (Selected Singles)
- "Come Go with Me" (1957)
- "Whispering Bells" (1957)
- "Cool Shake" (1957)
- "Jitterbug Jamboree" (1957)
- "Paddy Wagon" (1958)