Checkmates, Ltd. were an American R&B group from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The group, discovered by Nancy Wilson, included both black and white members; their one major hit was 1969's "Black Pearl", produced by Phil Spector. The song peaked at #13 on the U.S. pop chart.[1] Their cover version of "Proud Mary" reached #30 in the UK Singles Chart in late 1969.[2]
The group broke up in 1970, but reunited in 1974 for a few more years. Lead singer Sonny Charles later had a moderately successful career as a solo artist. Charles and Smith later reunited and toured the U.S. into the 2000s. Some of the duo's highlights included performing with Frank Sinatra at the Oakland Coliseum, a concert at Madison Square Garden with Herb Alpert, and singing the National anthem for the 'Thrilla in Manila,' the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier heavyweight championship boxing match in the Philippines in 1975.[3]
"Sweet Louie" Smith (born Marvin Smith) died of a heart attack on 15 December 2007, while on a cruise ship in the Caribbean where he was to perform. He was 68.[3][4]