Marvin Junior (January 31, 1936 – May 29, 2013) – There Is (1967)
Marvin Junior (January 31, 1936 – May 29, 2013) – There Is (1967)
Arranger Charles Stepney had to convince the Dells to record what became the title track to their breakthrough album and their first crossover hit.
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Marvin Junior was the baritone vocalist and lead singer for legendary R&B group the Dells, one of the original members along with Verne Allison, Michael McGill, Johnny Funches, and Chuck Barksdale.
After reuniting in the early sixties following the car crash that broke them up between 1958-61, the Dells struggled to recreate the success of their 1956 hit “Oh What A Nite.” They released numerous singles, but the only one that made an impact was the original version of “Stay in My Corner” (1965), which reached #23 on the R&B charts.
They spent two years as Dinah Washington’s background singers, and also worked with Barbara Lewis and Quincy Jones. In 1966 they were hired to tour with Ray Charles as his opening act, but were then quickly fired after getting several standing ovations during one memorable performance.
That same year, they began working with producer Bobby Miller and arranger Charles Stepney. The subsequent recording sessions resulted in their breakthrough album, There Is (1968).
It took them to the top of the R&B charts with a re-recorded version of “Stay In My Corner,” which was also a #10 pop hit. “Stay In My Corner” was the fourth single off the album. Both of the first two singles featured the LP’s superb title track.
“There Is” was initially released only as the B-side of “O-O, I Love You” in late 1967, but after that first single went to #22 R&B, it was re-issued as an A-side in early 1968 with “Show Me” on the flip. The second single hit #11 R&B and became the Dells’ first crossover hit when it peaked at #20 on the pop charts.
Charles Stepney had to convince the Dells to record “There Is.” They initially thought the song didn’t sound right, that its timing was off. But Stepney told them he would fix it in his arrangement, and he did.
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