Checkmates, Ltd.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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. Sonny Charles and Sweet Louie later reunited and toured the US into the 2000s.
"Sweet Louie" Smith {born Marvin Smith} died on December 15 2007, while on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. He was 68.
[edit] Members
- Sonny Charles - lead vocals
- Bobby Stevens - vocals
- Harvey Trees - guitar
- Bill Van Buskirk - bass
- (Marvin) "Sweet Louie" Smith - drums, vocals
[edit] Album discography
- Live at Caesars Palace (Capitol Records, 1967) U.S. Black Albums #36[2]
- Love Is All We Have to Give (Hip-O/A&M Records, 1969) U.S. #178[2]
- Bobby Stevens & the Checkmates, Ltd. (Rustic Records, 1971)
- FSO (Rustic, 1974)
- We Got the Moves (Fantasy Records, 1978)
