The
Chi-Lites
The
Chi-Lites were formed in Chicago in 1959. Originally called the
Hi-Lites, they consisted of Marshall Thompson (birthday 24th Aug),
Creadel "Red" Jones, Eugene Record, Robert Lester (birthday
16th August) and Clarence Johnson.
As the Hi-Lites
they released a number of singles on local labels then in 1964
they changed their name to Marshall & the Chi-Lites; the 'C'
being added to reflect the name of their hometown, Chicago. By
the end of 1964 Clarence Johnson had left the group and they truncated
their name to simply the Chi-Lites. During the ensuing four years
Eugene Record slowly emerged as the group's lead singer, songwriter
and producer.
In 1969, after
signing with Brunswick the previous year, "Give It Away"
became their first USA national hit single attaining number ten
in the R&B charts. The follow-up release "Let Me Be The
Man My Daddy Was" was moderately successful but another major
hit was elusive until "Are You My Woman ?" climbed into
the R&B top ten in early 1971. A succession of top ten hits
followed commencing with their next release "(For God's Sake)Give
More Power To The People" which was the first release to
crossover into the pop charts. The ballads "Have You Seen
Her" and "Oh Girl" followed, both reaching number
one in the R&B charts with "Oh Girl" also achieving
the number one slot in the pop charts in the spring of 1972.
The Chi-Lites
lineup changed shortly after "Stoned Out Of My Mind".
Creadel Jones was replaced by Stanley Anderson, who himself was
replaced by Willie Kensey. Three top ten hits R&B hits followed
- "Homely Girl", "There Will Never Be Any Peace"
and "Toby", before Kensey was replaced with Doc Roberson.
Brunswick,
however, ran into financial problems. This frustrated the promoting
of the group's records and led to Eugene Record leaving to become
a solo recording artist for Warner Bros. The remaining members
were joined by David Scott and Danny Johnson although Johnson
himself was replaced by Vandy Hampton in 1977. They signed with
Mercury but no hits were forthcoming.
In 1980 the
group signed to Carl Davis' Chi-Sound label and although they
were more successful than when on Mercury, their first genuine
hit was 1982's "Hot On A Thing (Called Love)" which
reached number 15. The following year their final top ten hit
"Bottoms Up" came after signing for Larc Records. Later
that year Creadel Jones retired and the group continued as a trio
to the end of the decade.
The '90s saw
Anthony Watson join the group and Creadel Jones returning. This
lineup was regular on the oldies and soul cicuit of the decade.
In 2000 the
Chi-Lites were inducted into Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
The current
lineup is Marshall Thompson (the Founder and leader),Tara Thompson,
Robert "Squirrel" Lester and Frank Reed (who replaced
Anthony Watson).
The Chi-Lites
also feature, along with other big-named legendary artistes, in
a docu/movie called "Only The Strong Survive" by Miramax
films, which was released in 2003.
Their current
project is touring all over the world to sold-out venues with
"The 70's Soul Jam".
|
