- Checkmates, Ltd.
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Checkmates, Ltd. were an American R&B group from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The group, discovered by Nancy Wilson, included both black and white members; their one major hit was 1969's "Black Pearl", produced by Phil Spector. The song peaked at #13 on the U.S. pop chart.[1] Their cover version of "Proud Mary" reached #30 in the UK Singles Chart in late 1969.[2]
The group broke up in 1970, but reunited in 1974 for a few more years. Lead singer Sonny Charles later had a moderately successful career as a solo artist. Charles and Smith later reunited and toured the U.S. into the 2000s. Some of the duo's highlights included performing with Frank Sinatra at the Oakland Coliseum, a concert at Madison Square Garden with Herb Alpert, and singing the National anthem for the 'Thrilla in Manila,' the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier heavyweight championship boxing match in the Philippines in 1975.[3]
"Sweet Louie" Smith (born Marvin Smith) died of a heart attack on 15 December 2007, while on a cruise ship in the Caribbean where he was to perform. He was 68.[3][4]
Members
- Sonny Charles - lead vocals - (born Charles Hemphill, 4 September 1940, Fort Wayne, Indiana)[5] - Charles was later a vocalist with the Steve Miller Band.[6]
- Bobby Stevens - vocals
- Harvey Trees - guitar
- Bill Van Buskirk - bass
- Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith - drums, vocals
- Calvin Thomas - drums
- Jimmy Milton - vocals
Album discography
- Live at Caesars Palace (Capitol Records, 1967) U.S. Black Albums #36[7]
- Love Is All We Have to Give (Hip-O/A&M Records, 1969) U.S. #178[7]
- Bobby Stevens & the Checkmates, Ltd. (Rustic Records, 1971)
- FSO (Rustic, 1974)
- We Got the Moves (Fantasy Records, 1978)
References
- ^ Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edition, 2000
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 102. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ a b Lifeinlegacy.com
- ^ Seattletimes.nwsource.com - Obituary
- ^ Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
- ^ Steve Miller Band Celebrates 40 Years With 'Live' DVD | Billboard.com
- ^ a b Billboard, Allmusic.com
Categories:- Musical groups from Indiana
- American rhythm and blues musical groups
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