Checkmates Ltd
| Sonny Charles aka Charles Hemphill- Lead Vocals; Bobby Stevens – Vocals; Harvey Trees – Guitar; Bill Van Buskirk – Bass; Marvin Smith – Drums; Jimmy Milton – Vocals | |
 |
|
| Hometown: Fort Wayne | |
| Originally formed in Fort Wayne during the late 1950’s as The Continentals, the Checkmates LTD adopted their name during a recording session in 1962, a nod to the group having both black and white members. Famed Ohio singer Nancy Wilson is credited as discovering the group and boosting their career, to the point of managing them for a time, leading to a contract with Capitol Records. Later the band was signed to A&M Records, which released their biggest hit in 1969, “Black Pearl”. The band broke up soon afterwards, and both Bobby Stevens and Sonny Charles embarked on solo careers. Reforming as the Checkmates LTD in 1974, another album was released and the band continued into the late 1970’s. Charles returned to solo work after that. | |
| Related Artists: Sonny Charles, Bobby Stevens | |
| Years Active: 1962 – 2000’s | |
| Discography | |
| Website | |
| YouTube | |
| Wikipedia | |
| AllMusic.com |
Please follow and like us:
