A GREENVILLE, SC – PHILADELPHIA, PA CONNECTION
Back in 1928 and in the early 1940’s the upcoming Gospel Group, The Dixie Hummingbirds, was formed by James B. Davis in Greenville, South Carolina, and was later led by lead singer, Ira Tucker. At one time before they went professional while still students, their stage name was The Sterling High School Quartet. The group who was loved and admired by many began to be imitated by musicians such as Jackie Wilson and James Brown and also by the doo wop groups such as The Cardinals, The Falcons and The Orioles. Ira Tucker of the group made it known that his group was the first to use birds as their names.
The Dixie Hummingbirds who became increasingly nationally known traveled in neighboring states and throughout the north. In 1942 they made Philadelphia, Pennsylvania their home. Additionally some family members who were originally from Newberry, S.C. left Greenville and relocated in Philadelphia – North Philadelphia, during the late 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
William Herbert and Susie Williams came from Greenville, S.C. around 1935. They later met in Philadelphia and were married; Susie’s parents: Lawson and Vinnie Williams came to Philadelphia; Susie’s sister, Alice Williams McField and her husband migrated to Philadelphia; and William introduced his sister Harnetha Herbert to her soon to be husband, Horace Crump in Philadelphia, PA. There were other members of the Wilson, Lake and Herbert family who moved from Newberry and Greenville, SC to Philadelphia, PA also. They were Elizabeth Herbert (Mother Bethel AME Church); Carrie Herbert; Margaret Herbert; Alfred Wilson (Cousin Boy); Elisha Herbert and Luecretia Herbert (White Rock Baptist Church)- they belonged to different other churches in the Philadelphia Area.
Second Pilgrim Baptist Church’ congregation and members of the community consisted of many former residents of Greenville, SC. Their church home, located at 15th & Poplar Streets, is where they could often hear The Dixie Hummingbirds sing. The group were also frequently in concert at the MET, Broad and Poplar Streets appearing with other well known Gospel Groups.
The Dixie Hummingbirds were honored in 2005 by the Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia with a large painted mural across the street from Second Pilgrim Baptist Church. The mural is one of more than 3000 murals that are proudly displayed around the City of Philadelphia.
To view the mural and read about this dedication, hold down Ctrl + Click this link: http://explorer.muralarts.org/#/mural/dixie_hummingbirds
Respectfully Submitted by Mary Herbert of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Wilson, Lake, Herbert Family Reunion Circle
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“it’s a small world after all”
Author: Unknown
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