After Dinner Speakers: The Chi-Lites, Billy Joel, John Conteh

For almost 30 years, The Chi-Lites have been one of the main purveyors of that classic windy city sound that is recognized world-wide. Just as Philadelphia nurtured the Delfonics, Intruders and Stylistics, Chicago was simultaneously resonating to the Impresions, Dells and The Chi-Lites. The Chi-Lites were formed in 1960 by Marshall Thompson, who was backing a variety of talent as the house drummer at the Regal Theater. He was already singing with Creadel Jones in the Desideros when they joined forces with Eugene Records, Robert "Squirrel" Lester and Clarence Johnson of the Chantones. Starting out as the Hi-Lites, they achieved local notoriety with a half dozen singles that were issued on the local Daka and Ja-Wes labels. Changing their name to The Chi-Lites to avoid confusion with a similarly named outfit proved to be adventageous, as it served to align their name permanently with the Chicago area over the course of the group's career. Clearly a force on the Chicago scene, the newly christened Chi-Lites were now poised for widespread national recognition. The group was introduced to the Brunswick label, which was to be the venue for the majority of their upcoming chart success. Encouraged by company president Carl Davis, Marshall and Eugene acquired all the production and studio skills necessary to make their group self-sufficient. In addition to Marshall's arranging and percussion talents, Eugene began writing lyrics with Brunswick's Barbara Acklin as well as learning guitar to supplement his existing keyboard abilities. Their first hit to dent the national charts was the sentimental ballad, "Let Me Be The man My Daddy Was" in 1969. Next up was "24 Hours of Sadness" in a similar vein, but in 1970, the funky "I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine)" had a distinct Motown feel. However, in 1971, it was the airy ballad "Have You Seen Her" with its opening narration that became synonymous with Chi-Town Soul when it rose to the top of the charts world-wide. This was followed by "Oh Girl", which was the biggest hit of their career. One of the least mannered and effective of all neo doo wopp performances, it firmly established The Chi-Lites sound in this country and around the world. Their success continued well into to 70's with such charted hits as "We Need Order", "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People", "Stoned Out Of My Mind" and "Toby" among others. From 1969 to 1974, they posted 5 gold LP's, 5 gold singles and 18 top 20 R&B singles. For all their accomplishments, The Chi-Lites were in a state of flux by the mid 70's, due to a variety of circumstances. The Brunswick label was facing its share of tax problems which made record production and distribution difficult. The group underwent some changes including Cradel Jones leaving for the second time and their main writer, Eugene, deciding to try a solo deal with Warner Brothers from 1977 to 1979. During the late 70's, now reduced to a trio, The Chi-Lites were with a number of labels including Mercury and 20th Century, with modest results. Eugene rejoined the group and left again after "Bottoms Up" on the short lived LARC label achieved top 10 Soul status in 1983. The group was no longer in the forefront as they struggled against the tide of hard funk, Disco and Rap that was given emphasis by the major labels. With few recording opportunities during the 80's, they managed to keep their good name alive through incessant touring here and overseas. They did packaged dates such as the one billed "A Night To Remember", sharing the stage with the Whispers and The Four Tops. They also opened for The Temptations, Natalie Cole and Elton John in a variety of concert settings. Even though their music was supposedly not "in vogue" anymore, they still found a sizable contingent of fans at their gigs despite the absence of current product in record bins or radio playlists. In early 1990, the Chi-Lites signed with Ichiban and entered the studio with a dynamic blend of all new material. Still guided and led by Marshall Thompson and featuring fellow charter member Robert "Squirrel" Lester, the newest acquisition to the group is Anthony Watson, who is a find writer in addition to having singular tenor vocals. The opening "Happy Music" is a brief, up-tempo, autobiographical excursion which sets the tone of the LP with its positive feel. For those of us that are partial to their mellow ballads, try "Solid Love Affair" (with opening narration reminiscent of "Have You Seen Her") or "There's a Change", which is the first single release. Whether the vehicle be an inspired cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" or their own heartfelt "Eternity", the magic of the Chi-Lites is as undiminished and vital sounding as ever. Their sound is timeless and will win them legions of new fans as well as thrill those already long acquainted with their music. to paraphrase on of their most memorable songs, They are "Too Good To Be Forgotten". The newest addition to the group is Tenor Frank Reed.