The Dells grew up in Harvey, Illinois and began singing together while attending Thornton Township High School. Forming in 1952 under the name the El-Rays, the group initially consisted of Marvin Junior, Mickey McGill, Lucius McGill, Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, and Johnny Funches. Lucius soon left the group and the remaining quintet signed with Checker Records, releasing their first single, "Darling I Know," which flopped.
In 1955, the group renamed themselves the Dells and signed with Vee-Jay Records. In 1956, they recorded their first hit, "Oh, What a Nite" (a song co-written by Johnny Funches, who also sang lead on the recording alongside Marvin Junior), which hit the Top 5 of the R&B singles chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. The song is ranked #260 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In November 1958, the Dells suffered a car accident that left McGill in a hospital in Ohio for six months. The group temporarily disbanded and Barksdale sang as a member of Harvey Fuqua's spinoff Moonglows act, Harvey and the Moonglows, which included a young Marvin Gaye. In 1961, the Dells reunited and auditioned for Dinah Washington. After Washington agreed to hire them, Johnny Funches left the group to take care of his family. Funches was replaced by Flamingos founding member Johnny Carter and sang background for Washington for two years. In 1966, they were hired to open for Ray Charles, only to be fired after a performance resulted in several standing ovations. The group would also sing background for Barbara Lewis, mainly on Lewis' 1963 hit, "Hello Stranger", while also working with Quincy Jones, who helped to fine-tune their vocals for standards and jazz material.
In 1966, the Dells returned to Chess under the label's Cadet subsidiary working with Bobby Miller and future Earth, Wind & Fire arranger Charles Stepney. In 1967, the Dells issued the album There Is which included their first R&B chart-topper in years with the title track, which showcased the sharp baritone of Marvin Junior and the harmonies with the four other Dells. The song was also their first top 20 pop hit.
Subsequent R&B hits included "Wear It on Our Face," "Always Together" (Top 20 Pop, "I Can Sing a Rainbow - Love is Blue (medley)" (UK #15), and their first #1 R&B hit and first Top Ten pop hit, 1968's "Stay in My Corner," which reached #10 on the pop chart and showcased both Carter and Marvin in lead vocals. In the following year, 1969, The Dells' soulful remake of their debut hit, "Oh What a Night" gave the group their second chart-topping R&B single and also reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. For a second time, the song sold over a million copies. Subsequent hits included "Open Up My Heart," "Oh What A Day," and "On the Dock of the Bay." In 1971, the Dells' "The Love We Had Stays on My Mind" became another Top Ten hit on the R&B charts, also reaching the pop Top 30. By this time Charles Stepney had taken over production duties from Bobby Miller. 1973's "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation" was their third certified gold record. The song was written by L.V. Johnson and produced by Don Davis.
Leaving Cadet around the end of 1974 with the parent company in financial difficulties, the group would continue recording in order under the Mercury, ABC, and Virgin labels finding some hits, including 1980's "I Touched a Dream", which returned the group to the top 40 on the R&B charts. The Dells were confined mostly to the oldies market afterwards until they were asked to be creative consultants to Robert Townsend's acclaimed 1991 film, The Five Heartbeats, which was loosely based on the lives of The Dells and other groups of its era. The group recorded a composition titled "A Heart Is a House for Love". The song reached number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart, making them only one of two groups to have hit singles in five decades. The following year, signing with PIR, they released the album, I Salute You. The Dells continued performing and recording sporadically in the early years of the new millennium. In 2004, the group were inducted to both the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group continued performing until 2012.
Original Dells vocalist Johnny Funches died of pneumonia on January 23, 1998, at the age of 62.
Johnny Carter died of cancer on August 21, 2009, at the age of 75. Carter is one of the few artists to be a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted with The Flamingos in 2001, and the Dells in 2004.
On May 29, 2013, founding member Marvin Junior died in his sleep at his home in Harvey, Illinois, succumbing to complications of kidney failure and a weak heart at the age of 77.
Chuck Barksdale died on 15 May 2019, at the age of 83.
Members
Marvin Junior (born Marvin Curtis Junior, January 31, 1936, Harrell, Arkansas – May 29, 2013) - lead baritone, lead vocals (1952-1958, 1960–2012)
Verne Allison (b. June 22, 1936, Chicago) - second tenor, background vocals (1952-1958, 1960-2012)
Mickey McGill (b. February 17, 1937, Chicago) - baritone, background vocals (1952–1958, 1960-2012)
Chuck Barksdale (January 11, 1935 - May 15, 2019) - bass, background vocals (1952–1958, 1960-2012)
Johnny Funches (July 18, 1935, Chicago – January 23, 1998) - first tenor, lead vocals (1952–58, 1960-1961)
Lucius McGill (b. 1935, Chicago) - second tenor, background vocals (1952–54)
Johnny Carter (June 2, 1934, Chicago – August 21, 2009) - first tenor/falsetto, lead vocals (1961–2009)
Open Up My Heart
The Dells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the world this morning
See if I can help a friend
I'm gonna pull back the shades
Of my fear this morning
And let the light of
The world come in
Ever how much I'm down
I'm gonna go
I'm gonna go another round
Try to bring somebody happiness
As I look about me, I can see
All the blessings given to me
A baby boy
A woman who loves me
Oh, yeah
I'm gonna open up
Open up my heart this morning
And see if I can help a friend
I'm gonna give all my heart
Make a new start
In the world this morning
See if I can help a friend
If they scorn me today
Turn me away
No matter what they say
I'm gonna be just a friend
I'm gonna try it once more
Knock on every door
Of the world this morning
See if I can be a friend
Right on, brother, right on
I'm gonna give, give up my heart
I gotta make, I gotta make a
New start in the world this morning
If they scorn me today
Turn me away
No matter what they say
I'm gonna be her friend
Oh, I'm gonna try it
Try it once more
I gotta knock on
Each and every door
I gotta see if, I gotta
See if I can be a friend
I gotta say it one more time
I'm gonna give it all my heart
I gotta make me a new start
In the world this morning
I gotta see, can I help a friend
If they scorn me, scorn me today
Don't you dare turn me away
I'm gonna be just a friend
Oh, I'm gonna try it
Try it once more
I gotta knock on
Each and every door
Of the world this morning
I gotta see, I gotta
See if I can be a friend
Everybody, sing with me
I'm gotta give it all my heart
You know we gotta make a new start
In the world this morning
I'm gonna find me
I'm gonna find me a friend, oh
Scorn, scorn me today
They cannot
They can't turn me away
I'm gonna be just a friend
I wanna be your friend
I wanna be your friend
I gotta try just one more
You know I gotta knock on
Each and every door
I wanna see if I can be your friend
I wanna help somebody
I wanna helpo everybody
I gotta give up my heart
I wanna make
I wanna make a new start
Oh, in the world this morning
The Dells’ song “Open Up My Heart” is a song about embracing positivity and showing love to others. In the beginning of the song, the singer expresses his desire to be more open-hearted and to let go of his fears. He wants to help others and bring happiness to someone’s day. The singer then reflects on the blessings in his life, such as having a baby boy and a woman who loves him. He believes that his good fortune should motivate him to give more to others.
Throughout the song, the repetition of “I gotta see, can I help a friend” emphasizes the singer’s commitment to kindness and friendship. He acknowledges that some people may turn him away or mistreat him, but he is still determined to be a friend to others. The song ends with the singer asking everyone to join him in his quest to show love to all.
This song has a very positive vibe, and it encourages others to look for the good in the world and to be a friend to those around them. It reminds listeners that even in tough times, there is always someone who could use a helping hand or a kind word.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna open up my heart
I will let down my guard and be vulnerable
To the world this morning
To everyone around me, starting now
See if I can help a friend
I want to be of service to someone in need
I'm gonna pull back the shades
I will overcome my fears
Of my fear this morning
The worries that prevent me from connecting with others
And let the light of
And allow positivity and hopefulness shine through
The world come in
To my life and outlook
Ever how much I'm down
Despite my own personal struggles
I'm gonna go
I will move forward
I'm gonna go another round
I will persevere and keep trying
Try to bring somebody happiness
I will strive to make someone else's day brighter
As I look about me, I can see
Reflecting on my life and surroundings, I notice
All the blessings given to me
The abundance of good things in my life
A baby boy
My child, a precious gift
A woman who loves me
My partner, a source of support and affection
I'm gonna open up
I will be transparent
Open up my heart this morning
Start the day with an open mind and heart
And see if I can help a friend
And show support and compassion to someone close to me
I'm gonna give all my heart
I will devote myself entirely
Make a new start
Begin anew
If they scorn me today
If others reject me or express disdain
Turn me away
Refuse my help or friendship
No matter what they say
Regardless of their reaction or attitude
I'm gonna be just a friend
I will remain a kind and caring person
I'm gonna try it once more
I will attempt again
Knock on every door
Reach out to everyone
Of the world this morning
In the present moment
See if I can be a friend
Determine if I can offer companionship and support
Right on, brother, right on
Expressing encouragement and approval
I'm gonna give, give up my heart
I will let go of my reservations and share my feelings
I gotta make, I gotta make a
I must create
New start in the world this morning
Begin the day with a fresh outlook
If they scorn me today
If others reject me or express disdain
Don't you dare turn me away
I will not be deterred
Oh, I'm gonna try it
I will make an effort
Try it once more
Give it another attempt
I gotta knock on
I will try to visit
Each and every door
Every person I know
Everybody, sing with me
Inviting participation and unity
You know we gotta make a new start
We need to reset our approach
I'm gonna find me
I will discover
I'm gonna find me a friend, oh
A person to connect with meaningfully
Scorn, scorn me today
If others reject me or express disdain
They cannot
They cannot diminish my spirit
They can't turn me away
I will not allow others' negativity to deter me
I wanna be your friend
I desire friendship with you
I gotta try just one more
I will make an effort one last time
I wanna help somebody
I want to be a positive force in someone's life
I wanna helpo everybody
I hope to make a difference for everyone
I'm gonna give up my heart
I will be vulnerable and open
I wanna make
I desire to create
A new start in the world this morning
To begin the day with a fresh approach
I gotta see, can I help a friend
I will evaluate if I can assist someone in need
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
themightydells
The Mighty Dells (1952 - 2012) 60 Years of Musical Excellence: '2004 NAACP Image Award' Recipients.
2004 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
2004 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees
1991 R&B 'Pioneer Award. -
Doo Wop Hall of Fame Award.
'Soul of American Music Award'
"OH What A Night" ( EMMY) View on YouTube, Part 1 2 & 3
'5 Heartbeats Movie' based on, The Dells tumultuous career
Number (11) in the top (100) Greatest Vocal Groups
Long live, The Mighty Dells ..Marvin Junior, Verne Allison,
Michael 'Mickey'McGill, Johnnie Carter, Charles Barksdale.
Romello Bratner
EVERYONE RIGHT NOW, NEEDS TO LISTEN THIS...TEARS IN MY EYES, MY SOUL...WE HAVE TO MAKE THE CHANGE NOW!!!
Peggy G
The harmony and Juniors powerful and passionate voice is what made the Dells one of the best male groups. I still love them and play their music often, some of their songs give me goosebumps!!! ❤️
Erik Williams
Beautiful song. The music and especially the words!!!!! So very powerful 💪💪💪💪!!!!! What we as a people truly need today!!! We Are One!!!!✌️✊✌️✊!!!!
Roslyn Murphy
This song should be the National Anthem for the World....Love and helping others
Freddie Fisher
Gonna be a friend & open my heart ❤️💜 that's what I do, be a real friend & neighbor 🌹☝️🙏😁💕🫂🫂🫂
Otis Williams
Great
Patrice Boulanger
Such a heart warming song!!!!!! It can`t get much better then this......
Dewanda Smith
R.I.P baby good memories. Wow
Digital Asset Crusader
This is the sound that really touches your soul deep down.
sharon vanburen
Yes, yes, yes.