The Legendary Dixie Hummingbirds

The Legendary Dixie Hummingbirds mural by artist Cliff Eubanks celebrates legendary sextet, regarded as one of the most venerable of the pop-gospel entertainment partnerships of the past century. It was located in North Philadelphia along 15th Street by the famous Metropolitan Opera House (now the Met Philadelphia)— a venue where the Dixie Hummingbirds often performed. The dedication featured live performances by the Second Pilgrim Baptist Church Choir, the Huff Singers, the Heavenly Horns, and the legendary Dixie Hummingbirds

The Dixie Hummingbirds are among the most successful groups of their era; renowned for their imaginative arrangements, their progressive harmonies, and their all–around versatility. Over the years they have earned the almost universal recognition as one of the greatest gospel groups ever.

Long called simply the ‘Birds’, the group became the subject of a documentary and a biography, and the recipient of many professional awards highlighting its influence on sacred and secular music.

The Dixie Hummingbirds made their early reputation on the rural church circuit. The group later performed on the radio in Philadelphia and was hired in 1942 at the Manhattan nightclub Cafe Society Downtown as a crossover act in the mold of the Ink Spots and the Mills Brothers. Within the next few years, the group went back to religious music and settled on a core of performers that consisted of Ira. Tucker, Davis, William Bobo, Beachey Thompson and James Walker, with Howard Carroll on electric guitar.

Location Note: Mural may no longer be on view at this location (in danger of being covered by new construction ca. 2020).