Johnny Carter 1934-2009

In the world of R&B, there are a multitude of subdivisions, showing just how extensive and varied this soulful sound is. Under this umbrella, in the form of Doo Wop, is where Johnny Carter graced listeners with his falsetto voice for decades.

This amazing voice, which was silenced by cancer on Friday at the age of 75, will truly be missed.

As a founding member of The Flamingos and a member of The Dells (he replaced Johnny Funches in 1960 and remained an active member of the group) until his death, Carter was one of the foundingvoices of the rhythm and blues generation. The Dells have had a consistent string of hits that extended well into the 1980s (nearly 50 years with Carter) when they became creative consultants for the film “The Five Heartbeats.” The song they did for the soundtrack “A Heart is a House for Love” gave The Dells the rare distinction of having hit singles in nearly every decade since they originated.

If that isn’t a grand indication of Carter’s ability, consistency and stability as a performer, then perhaps his influence on the people that listened to his music is.
Without his and The Dells’ signature sound, it’s hard to imagine bands like the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Sha-Na-Na, and the Dramatics – and the phenomenal success of younger acts like New Edition, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and N’Sync not only thriving, but existing in the first place.

Their signature song, “Oh What a Night,” in particular, shows Carter’s contribution to the Doo Wop sound.  Although not a belter, his quiet falsetto never had to compete with the other men in the group.

Instead, it created a perfect blending of emotions and at the same time, showed how his falsetto could be dominant, even in the fade out at the end of the song. His vocal talent was not surprising however, especially considering that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the two groups to which he had contributed so much.