The 1940's marked the heyday of one of the most outstanding movements in popular music history, the birth of the classic vocal ensemble. This extraordinary DVD showcases many of the most exciting groups of the genre, including The Mills Brothers, The Delta Rhythm Boys, The Deep River Boys, The Jubalaires and The Charioteers.
The Mills Brothers
Of all of the great vocal groups, the Mills Brothers is perhaps the one that stands out the most. Their smooth sound, perfect rhythm, exquisite phrasing and beautiful harmonies forever redefined the vocal group style, influencing nearly every other group to come along in its wake.
The band was famous for their incredible gift at mimicking instrument sounds like the double bass, trumpet, trombone, clarinet and tuba. During their tenure, the Mills Brothers performed with such legendary figures as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Dandridge. "You Always Hurt The One You Love," "Paper Doll," "St Louis Blues," "Rocking Chair" and "Till Then" are only a few of their sensational number one hits. This amazing footage features the one and only Mills Brothers performing their classic magic at the prime of their career.
The Delta Rhythm Boys
This outstanding group was one of the great Jubilee bands of the 1930's and 1940's. During their lengthy career they showed incredible versatility performing with piano accompaniment, as well as providing background vocals for Charlie Barnet, Ella Fitzgerald, Ruth Brown and Mildred Bailey.
Some of their most popular songs included their classic version of Duke Ellington's "Take The "A" Train," "Dry Bones," "Rigoletto Blues," and their world famous hit "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'." From the smooth stylings of The Mills Brothers to the Jubilee sounds of The Delta Rhythm Boys, this DVD will transports you back in time to the days when vocal groups reigned supreme.