Ira Tucker, Gospel Legend, Dies at 83
JUNE 26, 2008 TAGS:
Ira Tucker 83, the raspy baritone leader of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds, died on Tuesday, June 24 at the age of 83.
Tucker, who joined the group at age 14 and never left it, brought a fiercer, higher energy vocalism to recorded gospel music, punctuating vocal melodies with gravelly shouts and slides. Compared with the smooth, almost sublime tones of other gospel groups of the time like the Soul Stirrers, fronted by Sam Cooke, The Dixie Hummingbirds sung of an earthier, more plaintive spirituality. But they were a dynamic group, fusing harmonies and rhythms out of which Tucker’s rich voice would explode.
The Hummingbirds attained their broadest popularity in 1970s when they backed Paul Simon on his gospel-inspired track, “Love Me Like a Rock.” They would record their own version of the song years later and receive a Grammy for the efforts.
Throughout their 75-year career, The Dixie Hummingbirds created memorable tracks like “Bedside of a Neighbor” and “Trouble in My Way.” Tucker’s greatest legacy is perhaps his influence on soul, funk and other genres that grew out of the Jubilee Quartet-style of gospel music. Luminaries like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Sly and Family Stone can all cite heavy inspiration from Ira Tucker. A short man, he stood only a few inches above five feet, with a long shadow.
Tucker, who joined the group at age 14 and never left it, brought a fiercer, higher energy vocalism to recorded gospel music, punctuating vocal melodies with gravelly shouts and slides. Compared with the smooth, almost sublime tones of other gospel groups of the time like the Soul Stirrers, fronted by Sam Cooke, The Dixie Hummingbirds sung of an earthier, more plaintive spirituality. But they were a dynamic group, fusing harmonies and rhythms out of which Tucker’s rich voice would explode.
The Hummingbirds attained their broadest popularity in 1970s when they backed Paul Simon on his gospel-inspired track, “Love Me Like a Rock.” They would record their own version of the song years later and receive a Grammy for the efforts.
Throughout their 75-year career, The Dixie Hummingbirds created memorable tracks like “Bedside of a Neighbor” and “Trouble in My Way.” Tucker’s greatest legacy is perhaps his influence on soul, funk and other genres that grew out of the Jubilee Quartet-style of gospel music. Luminaries like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Sly and Family Stone can all cite heavy inspiration from Ira Tucker. A short man, he stood only a few inches above five feet, with a long shadow.
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