The Underground Experience Presents “The Power Of Black Music Sessions” Series # 3”
The Underground Experience Presents “The Power Of Black Music Sessions” Series # 3“
Featuring The Legendary Marshall Thompson of The Chi-Lites & V. Ontario!
MARSHALL THOMPSON/The Chi-Lites
The Chi-Lites were formed in Chicago in 1959. Originally called the Hi-Lites, they consisted of Marshall Thompson, Creadel “Red” Jones, Eugene Record, Robert Lester and Clarence Johnson.
As the Hi-Lites, they released a number of singles on local labels then in 1964, they changed their name to Marshall & The Chi-Lites; the ‘C’ being added to reflect the name of their hometown, Chicago.
By the end of 1964, Clarence Johnson had left the group and they truncated their name to simply The Chi-Lites. During the ensuing four years Eugene Record slowly emerged as the group’s lead singer,songwriter and producer.
In 1969, after signing with Brunswick the previous year, “Give It Away” became their first USA national hit single attaining number ten in the R&B charts. The follow-up release “Let Me Be The Man My Daddy Was” was moderately successful but another major hit was elusive until “Are You My Woman ?” climbed into the R&B top ten in early 1971.
A succession of top ten hits followed commencing with their next release “(For God’s Sake)Give More Power To The People” which was the first release to crossover into the pop charts. The ballads “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh Girl” followed, both reaching number one in the R&B charts with “Oh Girl” also achieving the number one slot in the Pop charts in the spring of 1972.
The Chi-Lites lineup changed shortly after “Stoned Out Of My Mind”. Creadel Jones was replaced by Stanley Anderson, who himself was replaced by Willie Kensey. Three top ten R&B hits followed –“Homely Girl”, “There Will Never Be Any Peace” and “Toby”, before Kensey was replaced with Doc Roberson.
Brunswick, however, ran into financial problems. This frustrated the promoting of the group’s records and led to Eugene Record leaving to become a solo recording artist for Warner Bros. The remaining members were joined by David Scott and Danny Johnson although, Johnson himself was replaced by Vandy Hampton in 1977. They signed with Mercury but no hits were forthcoming.
In 1980, the group signed to Carl Davis’ Chi-Sound Label and although they were more successful than when on Mercury, their first genuine hit was 1982’s “Hot On A Thing (Called Love)” which reached number 15. The following year, their final top ten hit “Bottoms Up” came after signing for Larc Records. Later that year, Creadel Jones retired and the group continued as a trio to the end of the decade.
The ’90s saw Anthony Watson join the group and Creadel Jones returning. This lineup was regular on the oldies and soul circuit of the decade.
In 2000, the Chi-Lites were inducted into Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
They are currently recording with Marshall Thompsons’ record label Marance Records distributed by Sumthing Distribution.
April 2003 – The Chi-Lites commission their website. The Chi-Lites are also feature, along with other big-named legendary artists, in a docu/movie“Only The Strong Survive” by Miramax Films, which was released in 2003.
Sept 2003 – Marshall receives over 100 e-mails after appearing on the Jesse Jackson Push Show.
The Chi-Lites song, “Are You My Woman”, is sampled and featured on the latest album by Beyoncé under the title Crazy In Love. The recording also features Jay-Z and can be found on Beyoncé’s “Dangerously In Love” CD. The song is later nominated for a Grammy award and is instrumental in winning the Hot 100 award for most weeks at
No. 1.
Dec 2003 – The Chi-Lites song, “That’s How Long I Love You”, is featured on the latest album by Jay-Z
“Dec 4”. The song can be found on Jay-Z’s CD “The Black Album” currently #1 on Billboard. The Chi-Lites appear in the 70’s Soul Legends concert for PBS.
July 2005 – Eugene Record, the original lead singer and composer of the greatest songs of the Chi-Lites, Including “Oh Girl,” Have You Seen Her” and “Coldest Days of my life” passed away 2am on7/22/05 after a long bout with cancer.Eugene was 64.
Jan 2010 – Robert ‘Squirrel’ Lester passes away after a long battle with cancer.
V. ONTARIO
Vernon Thomas is V. Ontario.
V. Ontario has released his R&B debut CD. The development of his unique style is the result of many musical influences: The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and more. V. Ontario comes from a musical family. R&B recording artist Keyshia Cole is his niece.
V.Ontario’s musical journey began in Oakland, Califorina where he was raised. In 1989, he signed with Phillip Arnold of Thrill Entertainment Music Group with the collaboration of Fell Star Production’s Felton Pilot.
V. Ontario has 5 gospel albums under his belt. Today, V. Ontario still has a passion for gospel music.
V. Ontario is a lyricist, composer, arranger and producer. After realizing, that music was his main goal . He found a new love for R&B music and the appreciation of the remarkable voice of the late Luther Vandross.
Once a audience member in Chicago confessed that “Luther has risen from the dead.”
Killing Me Softly With Her Song is smooth and funky.
Killing Me Softly With Her Song is smooth and serious.
Baby Baby Baby is a steppers track with music arrangements by Glenn Underground. Ain’t No Thang is a funky dance track co produced & co arrangements by Joyce Parker ( AKA) DJ Wonder Woman and Roger Weaver in Chicago.
This CD also includes: Good Vibes written & produced by Roger Weaver, Satisfy written & produced by
V. Ontario. All lead vocals & background vocals are V. Ontario except for , Satisfy includes Roger Weaver on back round vocals. All songs recorded and programmed at Keyztone Rekordz in Chicago except for Killing Me Softly.
V. Ontario’s songs have been played over 1000 times on Black Planet the world’s largest community social network. The new debut CD Killing Me Softly With Her Song is also available online at CDBaby.com, the largest independent music store on the web.
For Management, Bookings & Concert Information Contact:
Wonder Marketing & Referral Service
Joyce Parker, C. E. O.
( 773) 517-2340
Air Dates:
Wednesday 2/6/13 on KCLA FM (99.3FM) www.KCLAFM.com 4PM (PST)
KCLA Listen Line: 323 461 6675
Thursday 2/7/13 on KLED Live FM (91.1FM) www.KLEDLive.com 9AM & 9PM (PST)
Broadcast # 159
Direct Links to the broadcast also on website: www.UltimateUnderground.com
Podcast will be available on iTunes, Podomatic and Website!
