The Dixie Hummingbirds

The Dixie Hummingbirds, a pioneering American gospel vocal group, were formed in 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina. Originally known as the Sterling High School Quartet, the ensemble was founded by members including James B. Davis, Barney Parks, Bonnie Gipson, Jr., and Fred Owens. In 1938, Ira Tucker, Sr. joined the group, soon becoming a defining long-time lead singer. The group relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1942, a move that helped establish them as a central force in the "hard gospel" quartet style.

The Dixie Hummingbirds built a celebrated catalog over a career spanning more than 90 years. Their recorded work includes songs such as "Soon Will Be Done with the Troubles of This World," "Little Wooden Church," "Joshua Journeyed to Jericho," "Bedside of a Neighbor," "Going On," and "You Don't Have Nothing." In 1973, they collaborated with Paul Simon on the song "Loves Me Like a Rock," a recording that earned them a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance that same year.

The group's enduring contributions have been recognized with several significant honors. They were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1988 and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000.