Marvin Junior Quotes, born January 31, 1936, in Harrell, Arkansas, and raised in Harvey, Illinois, was the powerhouse baritone and lead vocalist of The Dells, a Chicago-based R&B and doo-wop group formed in 1952. His soul-stirring voice and commanding stage presence helped make songs like “Oh, What a Night” (1956, re-recorded 1969) and “Stay in My Corner” (1965, 1968) timeless classics. The Dells’ longevity, spanning over five decades, earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. These 15 quotes—sourced from Dells’ lyrics, interviews, and contextual statements about Junior’s life and career—reflect his passion for music, love, resilience, and the group’s tight-knit brotherhood.
15 Marvin Junior Quotes
- “Oh, what a night, to love you dear, oh, what a night, to hold you near.” (Song, “Oh, What a Night,” Oh, What a Night, 1956, re-recorded 1969)
- “We sang with our hearts, not just our voices—that’s what made The Dells special.” (Interview, quoted in The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups by Jay Warner, 1996)
- “Stay in my corner, baby, stay in my corner, I’ll be here for you, through all the stormy weather.” (Song, “Stay in My Corner,” There Is, 1968)
- “The Dells were my family—we grew up together, fought together, and sang together for life.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Chicago Scene by Robert Pruter, 1996)
- “Music was our way out of the streets, our way to say something real.” (Interview, quoted in Soul Music: The Pulse of the People by Nelson George, 2007)
- “My heart’s calling for you, calling for you, night and day.” (Song, “The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind),” Freedom Means, 1971)
- “You don’t sing for fame; you sing because it’s who you are, deep down.” (Interview, quoted in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech, 2004)
- “Give me all of your love, all of your love, don’t hold back, darling.” (Song, “Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation,” The Dells, 1973)
- “The road wasn’t easy—segregation, shady deals—but we kept singing through it all.” (Interview, quoted in The History of R&B documentary, 1999)
- “I’m always in love, when you’re by my side, my heart’s open wide.” (Song, “Always Together,” Always Together, 1968)
- “Chicago gave us soul, the church gave us fire, and we put it all in the music.” (Interview, quoted in Chicago Soul by Robert Pruter, 1991)
- “There’s a love so strong, it can’t be wrong, it’s forever, baby.” (Song, “There Is,” There Is, 1968)
- “Every song was a chance to tell a story, to make someone feel less alone.” (Interview, quoted in The Doo-Wop Encyclopedia by Stuart L. Goosman, 2009)
- “Since I fell for you, my life’s been brand new, you’re my everything.” (Song, “Since I Fell for You,” Love Connection, 1977)
- “We stayed together because we believed in the music and each other—no matter what.” (Interview, quoted in American Singing Groups: A History by Jay Warner, 2006)
Marvin Junior’s quotes, infused with the soulful grit of The Dells, echo love, brotherhood, and an unwavering commitment to music. Which one resonates with you? Drop it in the comments and keep the Chicago soul alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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