The Dixie Hummingbirds

Gospel group founded in 1928 by 12 year old [a=James Davis] and his classmates. It became famous when [a=Ira Tucker] became its lead singer in 1938 and the group signed with Decca Records, ushering in the hard singing style of gospel music's 1940s and 1950s golden age. The group recorded a number of albums for Peacock Records in the 1950s and 1960s.

The group performed at the integrated jazz club Cafe Society in 1942, 1966 [l=Newport Jazz Festival] and backed up [a=Paul Simon] on his 1973 hit [i]Loves Me Like A Rock[/i].

Ira Tucker sang with the group unti he died in 2008 from heart disease but the "Birds" still perform with new members Tucker guided until his death.