Article: The Dells still sing in harmony

Certain songs trim the heart like drapes of crimson velvet.

Painted by flowing five-part harmony, the doo-wop classic "Oh, What a Night" is such a song. Featuring elevating vocal dramatics set over music of fixed passion, it is a timeless Valentine's sentiment. It was written and recorded in 1956 by the Dells and climbed to No. 3 on the charts, behind Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" and Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill." For the Dells, who grew up singing doo-wop on the dimly lit street corners of south suburban Harvey, the song was an emotional payback.

"That song came about when we were working a club called Boots & Saddle right down the street in Markham," recalled lead singer Marvin ...

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