The Dixie Hummingbirds were founded in Greenville, at the Bethel Church of God of Holiness in the Southern Side neighborhood, in 1928. James B. Davis, Barney Parks, Fred Owens, and Bonnie Gipson Jr. began as the Junior Boys, singing in church. In high school they became the Sterling High School Quartet. They changed their name to the Dixie Hummingbirds when they began to pursue music as a profession.

After several personnel changes , the core group solidified in 1938 when Spartanburg natives Ira Tucker and William Bobo joined.  

This group carried on into the 21st Century, winning Grammy awards in 1973, 1994, 2000, and 2007. As the founding member, James B. Davis was the acknowledged leader of the group until his retirement in 1984. Ira Tucker was the lead singer until his death in 2008. 

The Dixie Hummingbirds continue to perform today. Current members are Tucker’s son Adebo Wali (Ira Tucker Jr.), William Bright, Lyndon Jones, Torrey Nettles, Carlton Lewis, and James Davis’ grandson, William Coleman.