Soul Vocalist Verne Allison Has Died at 90
The founding member of The Dells passed away earlier this week at age 90.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in R&B
Verne Allison, a founding member of the influential soul group The Dells, died on October 7, 2026. He was 90 years old.
Why it matters
Allison was a central figure in the development of R&B, helping the group achieve lasting acclaim and multiple Hall of Fame inductions. His passing leaves Michael McGill as the last surviving member of the group's classic lineup.
The Dells achieved massive commercial success, including over 1 million copies sold of their hit Oh, What a Night. The group earned 33 total top 40 R&B entries throughout their career.
The players
Verne Allison
He was a founding member of the soul vocal group The Dells and a Chicago native.
The Dells
This soul vocal group is highly decorated, with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Michael McGill
He is the final surviving member of the classic lineup of the group The Dells.
The details
Born in Chicago, Allison helped form the El-Rays at Thornton Township High School before the group rebranded as The Dells in 1955. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, followed by the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2022.
Timeline
Verne Allison was born in Chicago on June 22, 1936.
The group officially became The Dells in 1955.
The Dells retired from touring in 2012.
Verne Allison died on October 7, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The loss of a founding member of The Dells highlights the gradual closure of a pivotal era in the R&B vocal group movement. This transition follows the group's legacy of excellence recognized by their 2004 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fans can look back at the group's storied catalog, which includes 33 chart-topping R&B entries that defined a generation. The group's retirement from touring in 2012 means their legacy remains preserved through their extensive recorded history.
The takeaway
The passing of Verne Allison serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural impact left by the pioneers of the soul music era. Listeners can continue to honor his work by revisiting the seminal tracks that helped earn The Dells their place in multiple musical halls of fame.
Further reading
For more news on the legacy of vocal groups from the region, visit the R&B section.
