Gospel Singer. For seventy years he was the flamboyant lead singer of the "Dixie Hummingbirds". Joining the group in 1938 when he was just 13, the group soared through many heydays over the years. During the 40's and 50's they hit all of the black churches and gospel extravaganzas performing for packed audiences. In the 60's they played Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Their performances at the Newport Folk Festival and Harlem's Apollo Theater brought people to their feet. Ira was known to run up and down the aisle. He would jump from the stage, spin around, tear off his coat and land on his knees - all without sacrificing his sensational sound. The Hummingbirds are credited with inspiring singers B.B. King, James Brown, the Temptations, Jackie Wilson and Aretha Franklin to name a few. They became known to a new generation of listeners when they sang backup for Paul Simon on "Loves Me Like a Rock" in 1973. They produced their own version of the song and won a Grammy for best soul gospel performance. The group had their last Grammy nomination in 2007 for their album "Still Keeping it Real". The National Endowment for the Arts deemed them a national treasure in 2000. That same year they were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Gospel Singer. For seventy years he was the flamboyant lead singer of the "Dixie Hummingbirds". Joining the group in 1938 when he was just 13, the group soared through many heydays over the years. During the 40's and 50's they hit all of the black churches and gospel extravaganzas performing for packed audiences. In the 60's they played Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Their performances at the Newport Folk Festival and Harlem's Apollo Theater brought people to their feet. Ira was known to run up and down the aisle. He would jump from the stage, spin around, tear off his coat and land on his knees - all without sacrificing his sensational sound. The Hummingbirds are credited with inspiring singers B.B. King, James Brown, the Temptations, Jackie Wilson and Aretha Franklin to name a few. They became known to a new generation of listeners when they sang backup for Paul Simon on "Loves Me Like a Rock" in 1973. They produced their own version of the song and won a Grammy for best soul gospel performance. The group had their last Grammy nomination in 2007 for their album "Still Keeping it Real". The National Endowment for the Arts deemed them a national treasure in 2000. That same year they were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
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