Biography
Originally formed in Chicago as a soul outfit fronted by lead vocalist Charles Colbert, the group later shifted its identity and musical direction toward contemporary rock. Following yet another name change and lineup adjustment, a string of successful singles eventually elevated the act to enduring soul prominence. Its core membership included Al Ciner on guitar, Chuck Colbert on bass, Jim Michalak on drums, and Gary Loizzo handling vocals and guitar. Colbert and Loizzo served as the principal songwriters. Their earliest release appeared on USA Records in 1966 with the coupling “I Don’t Need Your Help” backed by “Big Bad Wolf.” Frequent label switches followed; a second 45, “Lonely Soldier’s Plea” b/w “So Far Away from Home,” surfaced on Bell Records that same year. A third Gary & the Knight Lites single, “Will You Go Steady” b/w “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” emerged on Prime 7 Records yet received only scattered local airplay.
The band next signed with Acta Records, where initial results proved mixed. The coupling “Give Two Young Lovers a Chance” / “I Don’t Think You Know” failed to register, but the follow-up, “Step Out of Your Mind,” reached Chicago’s Top Ten and peaked at number 24 on the national chart in 1967—their strongest-selling record to date. Hopes for similar traction with the third Acta release proved unfounded when “Don’t Forget About Me” bypassed Chicago stations entirely and stalled at number 107 on the pop listing without entering the Hot 100. Around this period Colbert and Michalak departed—the latter replaced by Lee Graziano—and the remaining musicians adopted the name the American Breed, achieving a number-five Billboard hit with “Bend Me, Shape Me.” Subsequent singles faltered, prompting the group to pursue advertising work while adding vocalist Paulette McWilliams. Additional personnel shifts accompanied a return to a soul-oriented sound, culminating in the formation of Rufus after Chaka Khan succeeded McWilliams. That incarnation would later merit consideration for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Prior to these ventures, Colbert had performed with the Trinidads and the Daylighters.
The band next signed with Acta Records, where initial results proved mixed. The coupling “Give Two Young Lovers a Chance” / “I Don’t Think You Know” failed to register, but the follow-up, “Step Out of Your Mind,” reached Chicago’s Top Ten and peaked at number 24 on the national chart in 1967—their strongest-selling record to date. Hopes for similar traction with the third Acta release proved unfounded when “Don’t Forget About Me” bypassed Chicago stations entirely and stalled at number 107 on the pop listing without entering the Hot 100. Around this period Colbert and Michalak departed—the latter replaced by Lee Graziano—and the remaining musicians adopted the name the American Breed, achieving a number-five Billboard hit with “Bend Me, Shape Me.” Subsequent singles faltered, prompting the group to pursue advertising work while adding vocalist Paulette McWilliams. Additional personnel shifts accompanied a return to a soul-oriented sound, culminating in the formation of Rufus after Chaka Khan succeeded McWilliams. That incarnation would later merit consideration for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Prior to these ventures, Colbert had performed with the Trinidads and the Daylighters.