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
I Found Sunshine
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I found you, oh, baby
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
Nights were dreary
Raining every day
I got down on my knees
And I prayed
That someone just like you
Would come my way
You put me in Heaven
Your loving in the moonlight
You're sweet as candy
Tender as roses
You took the teardrops
Took them away
Today I need you, baby
Baby, day by day by day
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
Whether I'm one of the many
Or one of the few?
Ain't nobody gonna stop me
From loving you
You'll become the
Only one in my life
You touched me and
Then I saw the light
You put me in Heaven
Your loving in the moonlight
You're sweet as candy
Tender as roses
You took the teardrops
Took them away
Yeah, I need you, baby
Baby, day by day by day
I found sunshine
When I found you
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
I found sunshine
When I found you, oh, baby
The Chi-Lites' "I Found Sunshine" is a beautiful love song about finding someone who brings light and joy to a previously dark and dreary life. The lyrics describe the singer's loneliness and sadness before meeting their lover, but how everything changed once they found them. The use of imagery, such as comparing the lover to candy and roses, enhances the romantic nature of the song. The chorus repeats the phrase "I found sunshine when I found you, oh baby" to emphasize the crucial role the lover plays in the singer's life, bringing hope and happiness where there was none before.
The song's theme of finding love after a period of darkness is relatable and universal, which may be why it continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. The smooth vocals and catchy melody of The Chi-Lites' version also add to the song's appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
I found sunshine
The singer found happiness.
When I found you, oh, baby
That happiness was found in the person of the addressee.
Living my way alone in the dark
The singer felt isolated and unhappy before finding the addressee.
Nights were dreary
The nights were long and miserable.
Raining every day
It was always raining, which symbolizes sadness and depression.
I got down on my knees
The singer prayed for someone to come into their life and bring happiness.
And I prayed
The singer was very sincere in their request to a higher power.
That someone just like you
The artist wished for someone with the qualities possessed by the addressee.
Would come my way
The artist hoped that this person would enter their life.
You put me in Heaven
The addressee brought the artist immense joy and happiness.
Your loving in the moonlight
The addressee provided love and companionship even during difficult times.
You're sweet as candy
The addressee is affectionate and kind.
Tender as roses
The addressee is gentle and caring.
You took the teardrops
The addressee helped the singer overcome their sadness and wipe away their tears.
Took them away
The addressee removed the source of the singer's sorrow.
Today I need you, baby
The artist still relies on and cherishes the addressee's presence in their life.
Baby, day by day by day
The artist's love for the addressee grows stronger every day.
Whether I'm one of the many
The singer's love for the addressee is not determined by popular opinion or societal norms.
Or one of the few?
The singer may be one of many admirers or one of few to recognize the addressee's special qualities.
Ain't nobody gonna stop me
No matter what obstacles or opposition the artist may face, their love for the addressee will remain steadfast.
From loving you
The artist will continue to love the addressee no matter what.
You'll become the
The addressee will be the only one.
Only one in my life
The addressee is the only one who matters to the singer.
You touched me and
The addressee's presence had a profound effect on the artist's life.
Then I saw the light
The singer experienced a positive change in their life after meeting the addressee.
Yeah, I need you, baby
The singer still needs the addressee to be happy.
I found sunshine
The addition of the addressee to the singer's life brought them immense happiness.
When I found you
The artist's happiness is solely attributed to the addressee.
I found sunshine
The happiness brought by the addressee is like sunshine in the artist's life.
When I found you, oh, baby
The addressee is the source of the happiness like sunshine is a source of light.
I found sunshine
Repetition of the refrain expresses the importance of the addressee and the happiness they bring.
When I found you, oh, baby
Repetition emphasizes the role of the addressee in the artist's life.
I found sunshine
Repetition reiterates the immense joy brought by the addressee.
When I found you, oh, baby
Repetition emphasizes the addressee's importance in the artist's life.
I found sunshine
Repetition drives home the importance of the addressee and the effect they have had on the singer's life.
When I found you, oh, baby
Repetition makes clear that the addressee is the source of the artist's happiness.
I found sunshine
Repetition affirms the importance of the addressee and the happiness they bring to the singer's life.
When I found you, oh, baby
Repetition emphasizes the addressee's role in the singer's happiness.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacinta101
I just heard this song for the first time tonight. It was playing on an advert in the UK for a company called Onthebeach. It just so happens that I have used their company several times to book my holidays - the most recent trip being just this week. Really cool song, I'm surprised I haven't heard it before 😊
Jyde DA
Jacinta101 You are probably too young lol! I heard it from the same advert and looked it up. The last time I heard it was around 1972
Chris sonofPear
Same story for me, although I do look up many 70s songs.
Gan I
SAME WTH
penny
Same 😂
Bryan Noumonvi
Same.
Donnell W
The Chi-lites are so underrated! This is just one of the many jams that showcased Eugene's writing, the group's singing, great arrangements and of course excellent musicians. I wish I could have been in on their sessions, but I was just a kid dancing to their music and singing along.
Kenna Billops
This classic reminds me of my mother. Connie Gunn she was truly soulful. R. I. P. Momma thanks for putting this song on repeat and as a kid I learned it. Great memories
Huck Barry
So Underrated! Chicago soul was overlooked should be right up there with Memphis soul, Motown, and Philly!
DAVID WOLF
~ 1973 GREAT YEAR FROM the Chi-Lites and everyone else at the time for fine R&B and proto,PRE-disco. This album is iconic. Cheers, DAVEDJ ~