Mitchell's Christian Singers - Standing By the Bedside (1936)

The singers are from Kinston, North Carolina. They developed a distinctive style of a cappella gospel singing.

Their names are William Brown, Julius Davis, Louis “Panella” David, and Lewis Herring.

William Brown was lead tenor.

Julius Davis was second tenor.

Louis "Panella" David sang baritone.

Lewis Herring was a bass singer.

Before enjoying success as singers, they worked at various jobs--as farmers, as truck drivers.

They first gathered as a group in the early 1930s.

A local talent contest gave a prize to the group, and the singers gained more and more attention.

In 1938 when they performed at the Spirituals to Swing Concert.