The Deep River Boys were an American vocal group active from the mid 1930s to the mid 1950s, singing spirituals, gospel, and R&B. The group consisted of Harry Douglas (baritone), Vernon Gardner (first tenor), George Lawson (second tenor), Jimmy Lundy and Edward Ware (bass). The group began at Hampton Institute now known as Hampton University - Hampton, VA. Their 1948 song Recess in Heaven became their first hit. They appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, held command performances before the Queen of England (in the 1960's), and US President Dwight D Eisenhower. They also performed with Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Charlie Christian and Thelma Carpenter.