Biography
Emerging during the 1960s, the soul ensemble the Checkmates, Ltd. reached audiences with their standout 1969 single "Black Pearl." Frontman Sonny Charles later delivered his own major solo hit in the early 1980s. The racially mixed lineup, consisting of Bobby Stevens, Harvey Trees, Bill Van Buskirk, and Marvin Smith, drew notice as well. Originating in Fort Wayne, IN, the group was discovered by Nancy Wilson. Following a hiatus from 1970 to 1974, they reassembled and put out the 1976 Polydor release "All Alone by the Telephone," which failed to connect.
Albums
