Del Vikings’ Lerchey Dies

David Lerchey, a founding member of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s first integrated acts, The Del Vikings, died from cancer and pulmonary problems January 29th at a Florida hospital.

Lerchey, 67, was one of five airmen who formed the group in 1955 at an Air Force base in Pittsburgh.

The quintet appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1957, the same year it had two No. 1 hits with “Come Go With Me” and “Whispering Bells.”

The Del Vikings were inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame in 2003.

Lerchey’s final performance was at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut last summer.