The Chi-Lites
Formed in Chicago in 1960 and originally called the Hi-Lites, the group featured Eugene Record (b. 23 December 1940, Chicago, Illinois, USA, d. 22 July 2005, Chicago, Illinois, USA), Robert Lester (b. 1942, McComb, Mississippi, USA), Creadel Jones (b. 1939, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) and Marshall Thompson (b. April 1941, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Imbued with the tradition of doo-wop and street corner harmony, Record and Lester came together with Clarence Johnson in the Chanteurs, who issued a single on Renee Records in 1959. The trio then teamed with Marshall Thompson and Creadel "Red" Jones, refugees from another local group, the Desideros. The resultant combination was dubbed the Hi-Lites and a series of releases followed. "I'm So Jealous" from late 1964 introduced the group's new name, Marshall And The Chi-Lites, the amended prefix celebrating their "Windy City" origins. Johnson left the group later that year and with the release of "You Did That To Me", the quartet became simply the Chi-Lites. Further singles confirmed a growing reputation while their arrival at Brunswick Records in 1968 pitched them alongside the cream of Chicago's soul hierarchy. Record formed a songwriting partnership with Barbara Acklin, a combination responsible for many of his group's finest moments. "Give It Away' (1969) became the Chi-Lites" first US national hit, and introduced a string of often contrasting releases.
Listen to The Chi-Lites
at Finetune.
Albums
- (1997) The Best of...
Top Tracks
- Oh Girl
- Have You Seen Her
- Have You Seen Her?
- Stoned Out of My Mind
- A Letter to Myslef
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