My father [may he rest in peace] - who was a DJ in Texas - absolutely loved the Dixie Hummingbirds and because of listening to his Dixie Hummingbird CDs, so do I!! Ira Tucker had an amazing voice!
Actually, the young man playng the guitar was actually a member of the New Dixie Hummingbirds. You can see him at the 5 minute mark, but he is the guitarist for the New Hummingbirds. With that being said, I think it was fitting to have Mr. Tucker's contemporaries sing with him. This video was honoring the "old timers", as you call them. At the time this was made, I believe the only other original Birds still living were James B. Davis and Howard Carroll who were both retired at the time.
The rest of the group is likely deceased. I am sure the Nightingales and Cliff were honored to back him up. This man is truly a musical legend. I love his voice. No doubt this man is gifted by GOD!!
One thing that has always set the "Birds" apart is an appreciation of their role in history. Who else could so naturally precede a musical performance with a spoken recollection of his career? Ira was like a brother to me, and almost every meeting yielded life-lessons. A few years before he died, he offered copies of a photo of himself as a toddler. Most fans were puzzled, but a few of us understood the significance of documenting the life of this genius. I miss him profoundly.
I knew Mr. Tucker personally also through one of his more intimate friends. I was just knee high to a duck as I listened to those two recall some of their priceless experiences down through the years.
Ira Tucker's life's work speaks for him. Incredible! The Dixie Hummingbirds are not just a legendary quartet group but apart of the rich foundation that has paved the way for gospel singers today, Ira Tucker said the Hummingbirds had been singing for Jesus 76 years at the time of that recording. That is phenominal.
What a gent, a legend, a great singer who inspired generations and he leaves his art as his legacy to the whole world. The Dixie Hummingbirds' recordings are now part of The Smithsonian archives and will stand the test of time. He is missed, his loss is a loss for all humankind. They don't make 'em like him anymore!! Ira Tucker RIP and thank you for the music.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
i found out late that my pop died on the internet and he was 83 ira didn't raise me but we had an understanding that we were father and son i even look like him look at my page
man oh man, first Sorry to Hear that Ira Tucker has passed he and he Birds have a been a constant in my life since 1966? Christine automobile? When did he pass> I will search the web also. Are they any more recordings in the future of their material? His son worked for Stevie Wonder is that true?
Thankyou all for the beautiful comments!! God Bless! It's nice to know that my grandfather touched so many people in his life time! Thanks again for all the kind words and prayers that everyone has sent to my family!! We miss pop so much! But we know he is in a much better place. God Bless all the fans!!!
I was just reading the book Good God Aw Mighty, the story of the Dixie Hummingbirds just today, I did not know that Ira Tucker passed!! He was one of the best, I used to hear those records a lot growing up, and I still love the Birds. I wish your family all of the best, he was such a treasure, and I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day!
Your grandfather was one of the best. A true pioneer in gospel music.I can remember watching the Dixie Hummingbirds light up Washington Temple, here in NY. My dad comes from the quartet era. As a matter of fact, my dad's group, the Brooklyn Skyways sang at Mr Bobo's funeral, many years ago. May god bless you and your family. Mr. Tucker, rip.
Grace, peace, and deepest sympathies to you and your family in Jesus' name. I met your grandfather in 1991, and we became like brothers. He had the calmest, most peaceful attitude toward death of anyone I've ever known. Once I was driving him somewhere, and my car stalled. He helped me push it to the side of the road shoulder-to-shoulder. His humility will never be forgotten. When genius like his leaves the earth, all creation seems to take notice. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Today, (May 17th) would hAve been this great Gospel Legend's 86th birthday..Happy Birthday Mr. IRA TUCKER!!...GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL.
bronson1921 9 months ago
GREAAAAT !!!!!!!!!!
sjziro 1 year ago
My father [may he rest in peace] - who was a DJ in Texas - absolutely loved the Dixie Hummingbirds and because of listening to his Dixie Hummingbird CDs, so do I!! Ira Tucker had an amazing voice!
jojamful 1 year ago 3
OMGOODNESS!! Did you hear that run @ 5:17???? Unbelievable..this man man was in his 80's when this was taped!!
mrsjai123 1 year ago
I mean why wasn't Mr. Tucker backed by the current birds on this video...not the old timers!
NubianJQueen 2 years ago
most of the dixie hummingbirds have passed on
386bigDee 2 years ago
Actually, the young man playng the guitar was actually a member of the New Dixie Hummingbirds. You can see him at the 5 minute mark, but he is the guitarist for the New Hummingbirds. With that being said, I think it was fitting to have Mr. Tucker's contemporaries sing with him. This video was honoring the "old timers", as you call them. At the time this was made, I believe the only other original Birds still living were James B. Davis and Howard Carroll who were both retired at the time.
herschelzboy 2 years ago
mr tucker is gone now!
ranmae57 2 years ago
The rest of the group is likely deceased. I am sure the Nightingales and Cliff were honored to back him up. This man is truly a musical legend. I love his voice. No doubt this man is gifted by GOD!!
clgarvin 2 years ago 5
One thing that has always set the "Birds" apart is an appreciation of their role in history. Who else could so naturally precede a musical performance with a spoken recollection of his career? Ira was like a brother to me, and almost every meeting yielded life-lessons. A few years before he died, he offered copies of a photo of himself as a toddler. Most fans were puzzled, but a few of us understood the significance of documenting the life of this genius. I miss him profoundly.
methu124 2 years ago 2
I knew Mr. Tucker personally also through one of his more intimate friends. I was just knee high to a duck as I listened to those two recall some of their priceless experiences down through the years.
plainwain 2 years ago
@clgarvin HOward carol the great guitarist for the hummingbirds is still alive.
realityme 1 year ago
everybody was rockin in the house everybody! this is a very catchy, good tune.great post!!
386bigDee 2 years ago 2
Does anyone know why Mr. Tucker was backed by the Sensational Nightingales and not his own group?
NubianJQueen 2 years ago
to my knowledge, the birds were all
deceased when this video was made for
malaco
keys31157 2 years ago
mr. tucker died in 2009
ranmae57 2 years ago
i love them! from the time i was 8, my grandfather would take me to see them every year when they came to my city. mr tucker was such a nice guy!
aginlock 2 years ago
Can someone please tell me where this footage comes from...I'd like to add this classic to my dvd collection
aaranc34 3 years ago 2
this comes from the Malaco Music Group.
386bigDee 2 years ago
This if from the MALACO 3 DVD/CD Collection called "Gospel Legends" 1, 2 &3.
TheLivingBread 2 years ago
Ira Tucker's life's work speaks for him. Incredible! The Dixie Hummingbirds are not just a legendary quartet group but apart of the rich foundation that has paved the way for gospel singers today, Ira Tucker said the Hummingbirds had been singing for Jesus 76 years at the time of that recording. That is phenominal.
rozbrad 3 years ago 3
What a gent, a legend, a great singer who inspired generations and he leaves his art as his legacy to the whole world. The Dixie Hummingbirds' recordings are now part of The Smithsonian archives and will stand the test of time. He is missed, his loss is a loss for all humankind. They don't make 'em like him anymore!! Ira Tucker RIP and thank you for the music.
SenorSol 3 years ago 3
Ira Tucker is still alive I know cause he's my father. He is 89 years old, living in Princess Anne MD. I hope!! I need to call him.
daybofranklin 3 years ago
You have the wrong IRA TUCKER. The DIXIE HUMMINGBIRDS TUCKER has passed on in 2008
tallbaby40 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i found out late that my pop died on the internet and he was 83 ira didn't raise me but we had an understanding that we were father and son i even look like him look at my page
daybofranklin 3 years ago
Do this... Look at my page and watch one of my vids look at my face then look at this documentary again and see if i NOT resemble Ira.
daybofranklin 2 years ago
I did and you look NOTHING like the legendary Ira Tucker
tallbaby40 2 years ago
man oh man, first Sorry to Hear that Ira Tucker has passed he and he Birds have a been a constant in my life since 1966? Christine automobile? When did he pass> I will search the web also. Are they any more recordings in the future of their material? His son worked for Stevie Wonder is that true?
Peace & Blessings
Nebraska
Nebraskablack 3 years ago
dixie hummingbirds were well ahead of time. unique blend that will never be touched. Ira Tucker had a voice that put you in zone
smittysmith1972 3 years ago 2
im a young head but i love the dixie hummingbirds it brings back memories of my father.
smittysmith1972 3 years ago
Thankyou all for the beautiful comments!! God Bless! It's nice to know that my grandfather touched so many people in his life time! Thanks again for all the kind words and prayers that everyone has sent to my family!! We miss pop so much! But we know he is in a much better place. God Bless all the fans!!!
Ira D. Tucker Grandson
ITucker29 3 years ago 3
I was just reading the book Good God Aw Mighty, the story of the Dixie Hummingbirds just today, I did not know that Ira Tucker passed!! He was one of the best, I used to hear those records a lot growing up, and I still love the Birds. I wish your family all of the best, he was such a treasure, and I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day!
jzzlvrmee 3 years ago
A true legend
hayray 3 years ago
Your grandfather was one of the best. A true pioneer in gospel music.I can remember watching the Dixie Hummingbirds light up Washington Temple, here in NY. My dad comes from the quartet era. As a matter of fact, my dad's group, the Brooklyn Skyways sang at Mr Bobo's funeral, many years ago. May god bless you and your family. Mr. Tucker, rip.
Arbed225 3 years ago
My Grandfather was the best!! I will miss him so much!! I love you pop!!!
Ira D Tucker
ITucker29 3 years ago
Grace, peace, and deepest sympathies to you and your family in Jesus' name. I met your grandfather in 1991, and we became like brothers. He had the calmest, most peaceful attitude toward death of anyone I've ever known. Once I was driving him somewhere, and my car stalled. He helped me push it to the side of the road shoulder-to-shoulder. His humility will never be forgotten. When genius like his leaves the earth, all creation seems to take notice. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
methu124 3 years ago
Nothing like em'. Truly the best. We will miss you.
valambiguous 3 years ago 2