David Lerchey, 67; Was a Founding Member of the Del Vikings
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David Lerchey, 67, a founding member of the Del Vikings, one of the first integrated acts in rock ‘n’ roll, died Saturday at a veterans hospital in Hallandale, Fla. Lerchey had been battling cancer and pulmonary problems.
The Del Vikings were formed in 1955 in Pittsburgh by five Air Force enlisted men. Three members were black, and Lerchey, who sang baritone and tenor, was one of the two white members.
The Del Vikings appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1957. They had two No. 1 hits that year: “Whispering Bells” and “Come Go With Me.”
The group was inducted into the Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame in 2003.
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