The Chi-lites: The Smooth Operators

A smooth soul group from the ‘70s, the Chi-lites followed in the footsteps of Smokey Robinson, creating a genre of music revered by ballad lovers everywhere.

Over time, the group created their own distinctive style, centred on their beautiful four part harmonies and lead singer, Eugene Record’s warm tenor.

Hailing from Chicago, better known for its gritty urban blues, the Chi-lites came together in 1959. Initially made up of Eugene Record, Clarence Johnson and Robert Lester, who had played together earlier as the dee-wop group The Chanteurs, the band was expanded to include Marshall Thompson and Creadel “Red” Jones, who used to record with The Desideros.

Calling themselves the Hi-lites, the band released several singles over a four year period. In 1964 they changed their name to Marshall and the Chi-lites, the “C” originating from Chicago, the band’s hometown. When Johnson left the group later that year, the group shortened their name to the Chi-lites.

In the following years the group performed and released independent singles. Gradually, lead singer Eugene Record emerged not only as the band’s main song writer but also its producer.

The group signed with Brunswick Records in 1968, scoring their first national hit with Give It Away in 1969. they went on to deliver several R&B hits like Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So), (For God’s Sake) Give More Power to the People, Have You Seen Her and Oh Girl. Have You Seen Her charted in both the US and UK in 1971, reaching No. 3.

Jones left the group in 1973, being replaced ultimately by Willie Kensley. With the new line-up the group scored three Top Ten R&B hits, Homely Girl,”There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated at the Conference Table), and Toby. Record himself went solo in 1976, frustrated with Brunswick’s inability to promote the group due to financial difficulties. The others continued to record, this time with Mercury, but without much success.

In 1980 the original line up of the Chi-lites, Record, Thompson, Lester and Jones reunited. Recording with Eugene Record’s label, Chi-Sound, they released Me and You in 1982. However, though well crafted, the dance track was not well received and to date critics rue the fact that it was overlooked. The group’s biggest hit with the label was Hot on a Thing (Called Love) (1982). It reached No. 15 on the charts.

Moving onto Larc Records in 1983, the Chi-lites released their last Top Ten hit, Bottoms Up containing the popular Changing for You. When Jones retired later that year the group carried on as a trio. In 1990 Record left to promote his solo career,being replaced by Anthony Watson.

Though Jones rejoined the band in the early 90’s the Chi-lites did not reach the heights of their glory days again. However their music is very much alive. In 2004, the band’s early hit Are You My Woman was re-mastered by Beyonce as Crazy In Love, winning her a Grammy. That’s How Long, another 70’s hit, was used in Jay-Z’s Black Album as a back drop.

In 2004, Eugene Record reunited with the band for the PBS Soul Music special. Sadly, he succumbed to cancer the following year. The Chi-lites continue to perform and were recently featured as part of the soul music documentary Only The Strong Survive. Their distinctive sound with its layered productions continues to inspire musicians to date.

TJ Grooves - Soul Music TV & Rare Soul Grooves.com