American doo-wop musical group that recorded several hit singles in the 1950s. Best known for songs like "Come Go With Me" or "Whispering Bells".
The Dell Vikings (also sometimes written as "The Del Vikings") were formed in 1955 by members of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for being one of the first racially integrated doo-wop groups, they blended their vocal harmonies to produce a distinctive and influential sound. Their 1957 breakout hit, "Come Go with Me," reached No. 4 on the R&B charts and No. 5 on the pop charts, followed by another success, "Whispering Bells."
The group split up shortly afterwards because some members of the group were under aged when they signed to Fee Bee Records (2), so only some members could be released from this contract and switch to Mercury Records. This led to a split into two separate factions both claiming the Del Vikings name. Despite this division, both groups continued to perform and record.
The Del Vikings were notable for their ability to transcend racial barriers in a segregated era, making them trailblazers in the music industry. Their work not only influenced the doo-wop genre but also paved the way for future integrated music groups.