The Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early… Read Full Bio ↴The Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early 1970s, one of the few from the period to not come from Memphis or Philadelphia. They were led by Eugene Record, and scored eleven Top Ten R&B hits, in the early part of the decade.

The group formed in the late 1950s when The Chanteurs (Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Clarence Johnson) teamed up with Marshall Thompson and Creadel "Red" Jones to form The Hi-lites. Wishing to add a tribute to their home town of Chicago, they changed their name to the Chi-Lites" in 1964. Johnson left later that year, and their name was subsequently shortened to The Chi-Lites.

Eugene Record was the group's primary songwriter, though he frequently collaborated with others, such as Barbara Acklin.

Their major hits came in 1971, with "Have You Seen Her?", and 1972, with "Oh Girl".. In fact, The Mighty Majors ("You Can Never Go Back") won 1st Place at the Apollo Theatre Wednesday night Talent Show the night that The Chi-Lites were performing one of their finest performances ever at The Apollo that night in the early '70's.

Other transatlantic chart smashes followed, although the output became more fragmented as the group's personnel came and went. For example, bass singer Creadel Jones left in 1973 and was replaced in quick succession by Stanley Anderson; Willie Kensey; and then Doc Roberson. Shortly thereafter, Eugene Record left, and David Scott and Danny Johnson entered.

More personnel changes ensued, when Johnson was replaced by Vandy Hampton in 1977.

At that point the group totally disintegrated, but re-formed in 1980 with the mid sixties quartet of Record, Thompson, Jones, and Lester back together. Creadel Jones left for a second time in 1982, leaving the group as a trio. Record left again in 1990, and new lead Anthony Watson was recruited, considered by many to be one of the best in the group's history. (It should be noted that Robert Lester took over lead of "Oh Girl", while Watson led the other songs.) The group also featured an ever-changing female member.

Once the hits had completely dried up, further changes took place. In the early 1990s, Creadel Jones returned again, but would subsequently leave. Throughout the 1990s, Watson left twice; each time Frank Reed took over as lead singer. In 2002 the group was comprised of Marshall Thompson, Robert Lester, Anthony Watson, and Tara Henderson. Watson left for a third time, when Thompson's wife took over as female vocalist.

The present day group is virtual 'ever presents' - Marshall Thompson, and Robert Lester; plus Tara Thompson, and new lead singer, Frank Reed. Robert :Squirrel" Lester Passed away on Jan. 21st, 2010.
One relatively unknown album track by the group from the 70's, 'Are You My Woman', had its main riff sampled by Destiny's Child group member Beyoncé Knowles, on her massive world-wide hit 'Crazy in Love'.

In addition, their song "Oh Girl" was sped up and sampled by Paul Wall in his song "Girl".

The original lead vocalist, and main songwriter, Eugene Record died on Friday, July 22, 2005

Have You Seen Her%3F
The Chi-Lites Lyrics

Ah ah ah ah ah ah
Ooh
Ah ah ah ah ah ah
Ooh

A one month ago today
I was happy as a lark
But now I go for walks
To the movies, maybe to the park
I have a seat on the same old bench

To watch the children play
You know tomorrow is their future
But for me just another day
Well, they all gather 'round me, huh
They seem to know my name
Well, we laugh, tell a few jokes
But it still doesn't ease my pain
Well, I know I can't hide from a memory
Though day after day I've tried
I keep sayin' she'll be back
But today again I've lied

Oh, I see her face everywhere I go
On the street and even at the picture show
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Oh, I hear her voice as the cold winds blow
In the sweet music on my radio
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Why, oh, why
Did she have to leave and go away, oh yeah
Oh, I've been used to havin' someone to lean on
And I'm lost, baby, I'm lost

Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her

Oh, she left her kiss upon my lips
But left that break within my heart
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Oh, I see her hand reaching out to me
Only she can set me free
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Why, oh, why
Did she have to leave and go away, oh yeah

Oh, I've been used to havin' someone to lean on
And I'm lost, baby, I'm lost
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo

As another day comes to an end
I'm lookin' for a letter or somethin' (doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
Or anything that she would send (have you seen her?)
With all the people I know, huh (tell me have you seen her?)
I'm still a lonely man (oh)
You know it's funny (doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
But I thought I had her in the palm of my hand (doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(Have you seen her)
Tell me have you seen her

Oh doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo (oh yeah)
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her (have you seen her)
Tell me have you seen her (have you seen her)
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her
Have you seen her (have you seen her)
Tell me have you seen her (have you seen her)

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Written by: Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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