Died On This Date (January 6, 2009) Rev. Claude Jeter / The Swan Silvertones

Claude Jeter
October 26, 1914 – January 6, 2009

Photo by Jack Vartoogian
Photo by Jack Vartoogian

Reverend Claude Jeter was a much respected gospel singer and founding member of the Swan Silvertones, one of the genre’s most beloved groups.  And for a time, he was also a member of the equally respected Dixie Hummingbirds.  As a singer, Jeter is said to have inspired the likes of Eddie Kendricks, Al Green and Paul Simon who has claimed that Jeter’s “Mary Don’t You Weep” inspired him to write “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Simon returned the favor years later by hiring Jeter to sing on his There Goes Rhymin’ Simon album.  The Reverend Claude Jeter was 94 when he passed away on January 6, 2009

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Died On This Date (June 24, 2008) Ira B. Tucker / Sang Lead For The Dixie Hummingbirds

Ira B. Tucker
May 17, 1925 – June 24, 2008

Ira B. Tucker, 2nd from left

Ira B. Tucker Sr. was the lead singer for the celebrated gospel vocal group, the Dixie Hummingbirds.  Joining the group at the age of 13, Tucker fronted them for the next 70 years.  They have been called a direct inspiration for the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Jackie Wilson and Aretha Franklin.  Tucker died of heart failure at the age of 83.