Verne Allison, a founding member of the legendary R&B group The Dells, has died. He was 90. His death was announced by his son, VA Allison, in a Facebook post.
“It is with much sorry that I and my sister Sheila Allison Moore inform you of the passing of our father, LaVerne Allison on October 6th, 2026,” the post read. “We really appreciate the outpouring of love and support. “
Allison co-founded The Dells along with Marvin Junior, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Michael and Lucius McGill in 1953, when they were still in high school. They started out as the El-Rays.
After changing its name to The Dells, the group released its first hit, “Oh What a Night” in 1956.
Soultracks.com was the first to report Allison’s death. The site called Allison “an essential part of the vocal blend that made the group instantly recognizable.” The site also called The Dells “one of soul music’s most enduring groups.”