The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale
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| Repository: | The HistoryMakers |
| 1900 S. Michigan Avenue |
| Chicago, Illinois 60616 |
| (312) 674-1900 |
| info@thehistorymakers.com |
| http://www.thehistorymakers.com |
| Interviewer: | |
| Videographer: | Paul Bieschke |
| Title: | Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale |
| Dates: | July 19, 2000 |
| Abstract: | (ABSTRACT) |
| Quantity: | 5 Betacam SP videocassettes, 1 half-Hollinger box containing (NUMBER) folders of accompanying materials. |
| Identification: | A2000.004 |
| Language: | The interviews and records are in English |
Born in January of 1935 in Chicago, Chuck Barksdale is an original member of the R&B group the Dells. The Dells formed in 1952 at Thornton High School in Harvey, Illinois, where the five members (Marvin Junior, Johnny Carter, Verne Allison, Michael McGill and Barksdale) were students. Between 1956 and 1992, the Dells registered forty-six hits on the Billboard and R&B singles charts, including such classics as "Oh, What a Night," "Stay In My Corner," "Always Together" and "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation." After a tragic car accident left McGill seriously injured, the Dells went through a brief hiatus. During this time, Barksdale sang with the Moonglows, a group that also included Marvin Gaye. During the 1960s, Barksdale returned to the Dells and they have grown more successful for years to come. Barksdale has been singing bass with the group for forty-eight years.
Biographical Note by The HistoryMakers®
This life oral history interview with Chuck Barksdale was conducted by N/A on 2000-07-19 in Chicago, Illinois and is recorded on 5 30-minute Betacam SP videocassettes. Access copies exist on Betacam SP, VHS, DVD and MPEG-1. The interview contains information on (COMPLETE ONE SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF INTERVIEW). Accompanying materials in the collection include Chuck Barksdale's correspondence with The HistoryMakers® related to the interview; a copy of the signed release form and the production report; the biographical information used by the interviewer to prepare for the interview (DETAILS); paper copies of the interview transcripts, 3 1/2" floppy disks with electronic copies of the transcripts; selected quotes for video clips; photocopies of photographs captured on video; XML files with metadata created in editing and cataloguing the interview for The HistoryMakers Digital Video Library; and paper copies of these XML files.
Restrictions on Access
Access to paper records is restricted. Other restrictions may be applied on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions on Use
All use of materials must be pre-approved by The HistoryMakers® and appropriate credit must be given. All use credits must be pre-approved by The HistoryMakers®. Copyright is held by The HistoryMakers®.
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| This record series is indexed under the following controlled access terms. |
| Contributors: |
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| | Barksdale, Chuck, 1935- |
| | Bieschke, Paul |
| Persons: |
| | (PERSONS) |
| Corporate Bodies: |
| | (CORPORATE BODIES) |
| Family Names: |
| | Barksdale |
| Places: |
| | (PLACES) |
| Subjects: |
| | (SUBJECTS) |
| Document Types: |
| | Video oral history interview |
| Titles: |
| | The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale |
Accompanying materials: Accompanying materials are filed in (NUMBER) folders in a half-Hollinger box and shelved at The HistoryMakers® Archives and Collection Library by accession number, separately from the videos.
Betacam, VHS, DVD and MPEG-1 access copies are held for in-house use at The HistoryMakers®; Betacam SP, VHS and DVD playback hardware is provided for in-house viewing of the access copies; MPEG-1 copies are searchable and viewable via a digital video database.
The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, July 19, 2000. The HistoryMakers® African American Video Oral History Collection, 1900 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois.
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Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, Tape 1, July 19, 2000, TRT: 00:30:33.
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| Chuck Barksdale describes his family background, starting with his mother. He recalls that her singing ability and love for music influenced him from an early age. Barksdale remembers his father as a street hustler, who also found jobs on stage as an actor. Barksdale recalls attending a performance and being shocked at the stereotypical character his father played. Barksdale then shares a story from his father's past, involving his grandfather and a mishap at an amusement park. Barksdale moves on to discuss his music group, the Dells. He describes forming the group with friends from high school in Harvey, Illinois. Barksdale says forming the group provided him with the direction and mentors he did not have as a high school student. After talking about the origin of the Dells's name, Barksdale discusses the Dells's first recording experience with Chess Records, and subsequent signing with Vee-Jay Records. [Note: Timecodes have been adjusted to conform with HistoryMakers standards. A copy of the interview with non-adjusted timecodes is available at the HistoryMakers archive.] |
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Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, Tape 2, July 19, 2000, TRT: 00:29:35.
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| Chuck Barksdale discusses the Dells's influences, citing the Five Keys as being particularly inspirational musically, while Dinah Washington taught them how to properly perform on stage. Barksdale also explains the inspiration behind their hit single 'Oh What A Night,' saying it became so popular that they made another recording twelve years after its original release. Barksdale then talks about various record companies, including the failure of the Dells's first label, Vee-Jay Records, and the overwhelming success of Motown Records. He then describes the hard times for the Dells after they were involved in an auto accident, crediting their perseverance and friendship for allowing the Dells to stay together for almost fifty years despite hard times. Barksdale then discusses the talents of Dells lead singers Marvin Junior, whose vocal style was widely imitated, and Johnnie Carter, whom Barksdale believes does not get enough credit for his talent. [Note: Timecodes have been adjusted to conform with HistoryMakers standards. A copy of the interview with non-adjusted timecodes is available at the HistoryMakers archive.] |
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Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, Tape 3, July 19, 2000, TRT: 00:30:00.
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| Chuck Barksdale discusses at length the reasons behind the Dells's longevity. He explains their personal relationships, he praises each member of the group for fulfilling a specific role, and he talks about the cohesion they developed over their many years on the road, a key ingredient to their longevity. Barksdale then moves into a discussion about the film 'The Five Heartbeats,' a movie loosely based on the Dells's career that featured some of their music. Barksdale describes the Dells being first approached to consult for the movie, then taking on a more significant role. He talks about the success and popularity of the movie, which led to an increase of interest in the Dells by the younger generation, and a new hit record. Barksdale says that director Robert Townsend did not give the Dells enough credit for the movie, but says such situations are the nature of the entertainment industry. Barksdale then talks about some of the Dells's concerts, including a legendary performance at Carnegie Hall with Ray Charles. Barksdale discusses some of the Dells's bad performances as well, but believes they made the band grow closer. Barksdale then talks about the first songs recorded by the Dells. [Note: Timecodes have been adjusted to conform with HistoryMakers standards. A copy of the interview with non-adjusted timecodes is available at the HistoryMakers archive.] |
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Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, Tape 4, July 19, 2000, TRT: 00:31:07.
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| Chuck Barksdale talks about the Dells's early recording career with Vee-Jay Records, listing some of the songs they recorded and naming artists with whom they worked. Barksdale explains that following the collapse of Vee-Jay, the Dells signed with Chess Records, where they enjoyed many years of success. Barksdale credits owner Leonard Chess with much of their success, saying that Chess's death marked the end of an era. Barksdale names some songs that reached the top of the charts during the Dells's time at Chess. Barksdale then discusses the financial and legal side of the music business, explaining why the Dells chose to incorporate and talking about dishonest attorneys and managers in the business. Barksdale then gives his advice to young people and to anyone aspiring to succeed in show business, emphasizing education and experience. Along those lines, Barksdale discusses many of the Dells's mentors, including Quincy Jones, Harvey Fuqua, and Joe Zawinul. [Note: Timecodes have been adjusted to conform with HistoryMakers standards. A copy of the interview with non-adjusted timecodes is available at the HistoryMakers archive.] |
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Video Oral History Interview with Chuck Barksdale, Tape 5, July 19, 2000, TRT: 00:09:58.
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| Chuck Barksdale talks about the Dells's early recording career with Vee-Jay Records, listing some of the songs they recorded and naming artists with whom they worked. Barksdale explains that following the collapse of Vee-Jay, the Dells signed with Chess Records, where they enjoyed many years of success. Barksdale credits owner Leonard Chess with much of their success, saying that Chess's death marked the end of an era. Barksdale names some songs that reached the top of the charts during the Dells's time at Chess. Barksdale then discusses the financial and legal side of the music business, explaining why the Dells chose to incorporate and talking about dishonest attorneys and managers in the business. Barksdale then gives his advice to young people and to anyone aspiring to succeed in show business, emphasizing education and experience. Along those lines, Barksdale discusses many of the Dells's mentors, including Quincy Jones, Harvey Fuqua, and Joe Zawinul. [Note: Timecodes have been adjusted to conform with HistoryMakers standards. A copy of the interview with non-adjusted timecodes is available at the HistoryMakers archive.] |