The Chi-Lites were formed in Chicago in 1959. Originally called the Hi-Lites, they consisted of Marshall Thompson (birthday 24th Aug), Creadel "Red" Jones, Eugene Record, Robert Lester (birthday 16th August) 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 hits 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 cicuit of the decade.

In 2000 the Chi-Lites were inducted into Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

The current lineup is Marshall Thompson (the Founder and leader),Tara Thompson, Robert "Squirrel" Lester and Frank Reed (who replaced Anthony Watson).

They are currently recording with Marshall Thompsons' record label Marance Records distributed by Sumthing Distribution.

With her smoky, but smooth, vocals, Davina (born: Davina Bussey) has advanced quickly to the upper echelon of Detroit's pop music. Her 1997 debut album, Best Of Both Worlds, included the hit song, "So Good", which was featured in Laurence Fishburne and Tim Roth's film, Hoodlum.

The sister of a piano player, Davina studied the rudiments of music theory, songwriting, publishing, producing, engineering and managing a record label. In a 2001 interview, she explained her goals as "singing about life…and how everything comes from life; love, sexual energy, spiritual energy." ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

CANTON “CJ” JONES – Part singer, songwriter, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur...
Part singer, songwriter, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur, Canton Jones, a Deerfield Beach, Florida native, has ministered to and performed in front of millions of people during his career as a music artist. Since beginning his career and ministry as a Gospel Music Artist Canton Jones has four albums in his portfolio; 20 Years, 3 Months, 12 Days, Love Jones, The Password: Access Granted Kingdom Business and Kingdom Business Pt.2.

Canton Jones has sold hundreds of thousands of albums and has several songs in regular rotation...
Canton Jones has sold hundreds of thousands of albums and has several songs in regular rotation in the U.S. and abroad, including the steppers groove “Love Song,” the cleverly penned “Stay Saved” and the uncompromising street anthem “The Password.” On any given day he can be found sharing the stage with hip hop heavyweights like T.I., David Banner and Ludacris to name a few; established creative geniuses like John Legend, Kirk Franklin and Patti LaBelle; and Gospel powerhouses like Smokie Norful, Dr. Bobby Jones and Kiki Clark-Sheard. Canton’s unlimited repertoire, massive crowd appeal, and global fan base have set him on a course destined to shake the very core of hip hop, urban gospel, and R&B.

BIO

SPOTLIGHT RAY, formerly Sugar Ray of the Double X Posse has been in the music arena since the tender age of 14 when he used to DJ for basement parties in his hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey aka Jungle City. Coming from a family with morals and spirituality created a good foundation for this vintage Jersey City Icon of the rap game. This Taurus the bull’s early musical influence came from his father’s sister who sang with the Royal Counts, a musical group from the 70’s. Some of his favorite MC’s are Jay Z, B.I.G., 2Pac Shakur and Foxy Brown.

Spotlight’s experience as a young hustler on the block has prepared him well for life and all it’s adversities. As a member of the Double X Posse he’s been around the world and on tour with their number 1 hit “Not Gonna Be Able To Do It” which made Gold status and had a number 1 video on MTV and BET. They performed as headliners on many sold out concert tickets with such artists as Onyx, Brand Nubians, Ice Cube, Common, Fugees, Wu Tang Clan, EPMD and Redman. His self description would be FLASHY. When you see SPOTLIGHT in the joint, you know why he’s got that name.. All eyes on him.

He’s recognized internationally, state to state and in every hood. Spotlight’s future endeavors will be to open a Recording Label/Production Company to provide an alternate avenue for the young hopefuls to get up out the GAME and get with the GAIN. It’s all about getting money, but at the same time giving the respect due the Creator of all things in existence, GOD. SPOTLIGHT RAY of the Gainer Family is looking forward to taking the GAIN to another level and it’s no stopping him. He’ll “see you at the top”.

Press Release

SPOTLIGHT RAY, formerly Sugar Ray of "Double X Posse, the group which brought you the classic gold smash hit "Not Gonna Be Ale To Do IT" which climbed ti No 1 on the Billboard charts ans landed him a No.1 video on MTV abd BEt, is getting' at you with his brand new hit single "Look at Me which comes in 2 scorching versions. The first is feat. R.O.D of Gainer family and produced by the Grainers. The second versionis produced by Heath Starr Productions representing the dirty south.

The single also includes the slamming "Not Gonna Be Able To DO It Part2 (BYE)" produced bt the Grainers and co-prodused by E.V.L