The Chi-Lites: 50 years of music history
Posted on 28. Jul, 2010 by admin in Community Focus
Marshall Thompson, the last original member of the Chi-Lites. Photo courtesy of Mediaesque.
The early days of the Chi-Lites. Photo courtesy of Mediaesque. Top (LR): Creadel ‘Red’ Jones, Eugene Record, Robert ‘Squirrel’ Lester Bottom: Marshall Thompson
The legendary Chi-Lites, known for hits like “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh, Girl” are now in their 50th year and continue to delight audiences with their soulful vocals and impeccable style. They are “the sharpest cats on stage there ever was,” according to original Chi-Lites member Marshall Thompson. The Chi-Lites, consisting of Thompson, Frank Reed and Fred Simon, are currently on tour and will be featured at the Quentis Bernard Garth (QBG) Foundation Scholarship Gala on July 31st.
“I’m looking forward to it (the gala). It’s going to be fabulous,” Thompson said. The event is “very important to the Chi-Lites,” he continued. Growing up in Chicago, Thompson is more than aware of the challenges Chicago’s youth face. “All we had was the CDC, the Cadet Drill Corps [which] prepared young folks to be men and not to be violent,” he said, adding “there’s got to be a change…[QBG] is helping more lives stay alive.” Last month, the Chi-Lites performed at the “Forever Michael” memorial held in Los Angeles and next February through March they will embark on a European tour. With more than 23 top ten hits spanning 50 years, it’s no wonder the Chi-Lites continue to entertain audiences worldwide.
