Customer Reviews

The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds

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I was born in 1960. I remember being at home with my father before I started elementary school. My mother was at work. Daddy worked shifts, so many days I'd stay at home with him until either it was time for him to go to work or until one of my brothers or sisters came home. He'd always have the radio on the old WSID in Baltimore with the late Pauline Wells Lewis. She'd often play Dixie Hummingbirds tunes which my father loved. He sang in a gospel quartet, so he could relate to the 'Birds.' He also had their albums. He played them so much, that I got to know and love many of their tunes. On fathers' day 1999, I presented him with the The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds cd and he couldn't contain himself!!! You see, he hasn't heard any of their songs on a regular basis since the exodus of the 8 track.

If you are a lover of old gospel music, this cd will put you in heaven!!!!

I was a great fan of the group (The Dixie Hummingbirds) from the time I could switch on a phonograph. This group has been called "the greatest Gospel group ever", and I agree with that assessment wholeheartedly. I thought I would never hear the old songs again, but thanks to this site and the vendor, I have once again come into posession of this great Gospel music. Their harmony, and lyrics are simply the best. They are entertaining and they are inspirational. If one likes good Gospel music, and want to hear the original recordings, then this is the group to listen to.

One of a series of several gospel CDs purchased through Amazon Marketplace... which, have brought back heartwarming childhood memories... Sunday morning gospel radio.

good collection of hummingbirds. this collection contains the bulk of hummingbirds hits. the only problem is i wish it had more of the older singles. if you love the dixie hummingbirds you will find something here to satisfy. i recommends this for everyone.

While this is certainly an excellent compilation of Dixie Hummingbirds music, the group is still performing and I have had the pleasure of being with them during many of their shows. Mr. Ira Tucker selected a batch of performers who carry on the grand tradition that is the Dixie Hummingbirds. The group is currently on hiatus from touring to focus on some studio work. There is more to come from this amazing group.

When the great Ira Tucker of the Dixie Hummingbirds died in 2008, his obituary in the New York Times included a quote from the renowned gospel authority Anthony Heilbut. Mr. Heilbut said Mr. Tucker was "the presiding intelligence" of gospel quartet music. And so he was. Joining the group in the 1930's as a 13-year old phenom (the depression-era Little Stevie Wonder of sanctified music), he continued recording with the Hummingbirds right on through the 1970's. But the late-1940's through the 1950's are considered by most gospel fans to be the high point in the Hummingbirds long career, as well as the Golden Age of Quartet Gospel singing.

With Paul Owens and then Owens' successor James Walker, Ira Tucker and the Dixie Hummingbirds perfected a unique vocal sound combining complex, virtuoso harmonics with up-tempo showmanship that was the envy of the great "hard gospel" groups. Tucker called it "trickeration," and at its best it was a match for such stars of the "gospel highway" as the Soul Stirrers, the Swan Silvertones, and the Pilgrim Travelers. With Tucker's unparalleled singing and dynamic showmanship, the Hummingbirds "laid them out" and "wrecked the house" wherever they appeared. With women feinting in the aisles and listeners of both genders getting filled with the "holy ghost" and speaking in tongues, it must have been a sight to see.

"The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds" on MCA showcases the 'Birds at their finest. Taken entirely from the group's greatest period during the late-40's through the late-'50's, every song on this disk is a gem. They pay tribute to (or show up?) competing groups in the masterful "Let's Go Down to the Programs." They sing the Bible's praises like sanctified newsboys in "The Final Edition," with its repeated refrain "Extra! You better read it again!" behind the lead. And they set an irresistible, churning, mid-tempo rhythm in "Christian Automobile."

"The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds" demonstrates why great gospel singing can stand its ground with the best of soul, r&b, pop, or hip-hop. It is bone-rattling, soul-shaking music at it's best. It swings with every note.

Whether you are a sanctified born-again believer, or you just like great music, you owe it to your ears to hear "The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds." Highly Recommended.