THE DELTA RHYTHM BOYS - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: CARL JONES, KELSEY PHARR, TRAVERSE CRAWFORD, LEE GAINES, RENE DEKNIGHT - HFSID 88847

THE DELTA RHYTHM BOYS: CARL JONES, KELSEY PHARR, TRAVERSE CRAWFORD, LEE GAINES and RENE DEKNIGHT
Five members of the American vocal group sign this album leaf in blue ink
Autograph Sentiment signed: "Happiness!/ The Delta Rhythm Boys/ Kelsey Pharr/ Carl Jones/ Rene De Knight/ Traverse Crawford/ Lee Gaines" all in blue ink, 5½x4. The Delta Rhythm Boys were a vocal group who formed in 1934 at Langston University. Soon after, in 1936, the group moved to Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Of the members of the group that signed this leaf, Lee Gaines and Traverse Crawford were original members. Kelsey Pharr and then Carl Jones replaced Miller and Adkins while the group was at Dillard University. Also during this time period, Rene DeKnight became their pianist. The group that signed sang backup for notable artists such as Charlie Barnet and Ella Fitzgerald. They also were frequent guests on popular radio programs such as Amos  'n' Andy and The Joan Davis Davis Show, on Broadway in Hot Mikado and Harlem Cavalcade, as well as in many films. Two of the songs for which they are best remembered are "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem" and "Dem Bones". During the 1950s their popularity dwindled in the U.S., but began to swell overseas. As a result, the group moved to Europe to perform there for a couple more decades. Following the death of Kelsey Pharr in 1960 and the departure of Carl Jones, the group made several lineup changes. They disbanded after the death of Lee Gaines in 1987. Signer on verso merits further research. Binding holes at left edge. Left edge irregular. Toned. Corners gently worn. Otherwise, fine condition.