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The Chi-Lites [IPA: ðÉ? 'Ê?aɪlaɪts] were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early 1970s, one of the few from the period to not come from Memphis or Philadelphia. They were led by Eugene Record, and scored eleven Top Ten R&B hits, in the early part of the decade.
History
The group formed in the late 1950s when The Chanteurs (Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Clarence Johnson) teamed up with Marshall Thompson and Creadel "Red" Jones of the Desideros to form The Hi-lites. Wishing to add a tribute to their home town of Chicago, they changed their name to "Marshall and the Chi-Lites" in 1964. Johnson left later that year, and their name was subsequently shortened to The Chi-Lites.
Record was the group's primary songwriter, though he frequently collaborated with others, such as Barbara Acklin.
Their major hits came in 1971 and 1972, with "Have You Seen Her" and "Oh Girl", the latter a Number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Other transatlantic chart smashes followed, although the output became more fragmented as the group's personnel came and went. For example, bass singer Creadel "Red" Jones left in 1973 and was replaced in quick succession by Stanley Anderson; Willie Kensey; and then Doc Roberson. Shortly thereafter, Eugene Record left, and David Scott and Danny Johnson entered. More personnel changes ensued when Johnson was replaced by Vandy Hampton in 1977.
At that point the group totally disintegrated, but re-formed in 1980 with the mid sixties quartet of Record, Thompson, Jones, and Lester back together. Creadel Jones left for a second time in 1982, leaving the group as a trio. Record left again in 1988, and new lead Frank Reed was recruited, considered by many to be one of the best in the group's history. Reed left for reasons unknown and singer Anthony Watson would join the group. (It should be noted that Robert Lester took over lead of "Oh Girl", while Watson led the other songs.) The group also featured an ever-changing female member.
Once the hits had completely dried up, further changes took place. Around 1989, Creadel Jones returned again, but would subsequently leave. Throughout the 1990s, Watson left twice; each time Frank Reed took over as lead singer. In 2002 the group was comprised of Marshall Thompson, Robert Lester, Anthony Watson, and Tara Henderson. Watson left for a third time, when Thompson's wife took over as female vocalist.
Thompson was jailed for currently unknown reasons and Frank Reed would return to temporarily take his place. Upon Thompson's return Watson was reportedly fired from the group and Reed would once again assume the role of lead vocalist.
The present day Chi-Lites line-up includes stalwart members Marshall Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester, plus Tara Thompson and lead singer Frank Reed.
Principal personnel
- Eugene Booker Record – (23 December, 1940 - 22 July 2005).
- Robert "Squirrel" Lester – born 16 August, 1942, in McComb, Mississippi.
- Marshall Thompson – born Marshall Donald Thompson, 24 August, 1942, in Chicago.
- Tara Thompson – born Tara Janene Henderson, 29 June, 197-, in Chicago.
- Frank "Tchallah" Reed – born Frank Kevin Reed, 16 September, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Cover versions and samples
- One relatively unknown album track by the group from the 1970s, "Are You My Woman", had its main riff sampled by Destiny's Child group member Beyoncé, on her massive world-wide hit "Crazy in Love".
- In addition, their song "Oh Girl" was speeded up and sampled by Paul Wall in his song "Girl".
- The same was done with "That's How Long" for rapper Jay-Z's "December 4th".
- Rapper Common's "The Food" sampled from "Never Had It So Good".
- Talib Kweli recorded "Guerilla Monsoon Rap" also using the same source.
- Sunshine Anderson's " There's Something That I Wanna Give You" sampled from "Pay You Back".
- American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino's "Baby Mama" sampled from "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table)".
- MC Hammer also sampled "Have You Seen Her" for his song of the same name.
Deaths
Original bass vocalist Creadel "Red" Jones died in 1994.
Original lead vocalist and main songwriter Eugene Record died on Friday, July 22, 2005.
Discography
Albums
- Give It Away (1969)
- I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine?) (1970)
- (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People (1971)
- A Lonely Man (1972)
- A Letter To Myself (1973)
- The Chi-Lites (1973)
- Toby (1974)
- Happy Being Lonely (1976)
- The Fantastic Chi-Lites (1977)
- Have You Seen Her (1980)
- The Chi-Lites Live (1988)
- Just Say You Love Me (1991)
- Sweet Soul Music (1995)
- Inner City Blues (1996)
- The Best Recordings Live (1996)
- Help Wanted (Heroes Are In Short Supply) (1998)
- The Chi-Lites Remembered (1998)
- Golden Classics (2000)
- Low Key (2002)
- The Chi-Lites Live (2004)
- The Essential Chi-Lites (2006)
Singles
- "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People" - (1971) - UK # 32
- "Have You Seen Her" - (1972) - UK # 3
- "Oh Girl" - (1972) - UK # 14 US # 1
- "Homely Girl" - (1973) - UK # 5
- "I Found Sunshine" - (1974) - UK # 35
- "Too Good To Be Forgotten" - (1974) - UK # 10
- "Have You Seen Her / Oh Girl (re-issue)" - (1975) - UK # 5
- "It's Time For Love" - (1975) - UK # 5
- "You Don't Have To Go" - (1976) - UK # 3
- "Changing For You" - (1983) - UK # 61
References
External links
de:The Chi-Lites
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