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 Like Your Lovin
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mind about loving you
They say I made a bad mistake
So I stop (stop) and I listen
Giving up just ain't no way
I'm like a man stranded on an island
Oh, it just couldn't be no better
I'd like to live here forever
And I just got to tell you
And I just got to tell you
I just got to tell you
Never gonna let you go
[Chorus]
I like your loving, do you like mine
I like your loving, do you like mine
I like your loving, do you like mine
I like your loving, do you like mine
I'm like a man stranded on an island
Well, there ain't nobody there
But me and you, no, no
Oh, it just couldn't be no better
I'd like to live here forever
And I just got to tell you
And I just got to tell you
And I just got to tell you
Never gonna let you go
[Chorus:Repeat x4]
The Chi-Lites's song "I Like Your Lovin" describes the singer's unwavering commitment to their partner despite the opinions of their friends. The first lines hint at possible external pressures that challenge the singer's love for their partner, "Friends of mine try to change my mind about loving you. They say I made a bad mistake." Despite this interference, the singer stops and listens, but is not convinced that they should give up on their love. The lyrics continue to describe the singer as feeling isolated but content in their relationship, "I'm like a man stranded on an island, where's nobody but me and you. Oh, it just couldn't be no better, I'd like to live here forever."
The repetition of the phrase "I just got to tell you" underscores the singer's insistence on their commitment to their partner, as well as the chorus's lyrics that they simply "like" their partner's love and inquire if their love is reciprocated. The song's final lines reinforce the relationship's strength and the singer's devotion, "Never gonna let you go." Overall, "I Like Your Lovin" is a declaration of love and loyalty, despite any outside opinions or challenges that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Friends of mine try to change
My acquaintances attempt to persuade me
My mind about loving you
To alter my decision to love you
They say I made a bad mistake
They claim that loving you was an error on my part
So I stop (stop) and I listen
I halt and pay attention to their objections
Giving up just ain't no way
I refuse to abandon my love for you
I'm like a man stranded on an island
My situation is akin to being marooned on a deserted island
Where's the nobody but me and you
Where only you and I exist
Oh, it just couldn't be no better
It couldn't be any more perfect
I'd like to live here forever
I wish to remain in this state of bliss eternally
And I just got to tell you
I have an overwhelming urge to inform you
Never gonna let you go
I will never relinquish my affection for you
I like your loving, do you like mine
I appreciate your affection, do you reciprocate my feelings?
[Chorus:Repeat x4]
The refrain repeats four times
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EUGENE RECORD, SANDY WILBURN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacqueline Mitchell
I LOVE the Chi-Lites !!! One of the baddest vocal groups ever !!!!
mrstanbmw
No question
Zuess Mr Blvd
That bass and deep voice in the beginning is killing the game..wish they still did it like this..
David Alonzi
It was Creadel red Jones
Freddie Brown
August covid-19 2022
The Chl Lites; Marshall, Eugene, Red and Squirrel are my homeboyz from Chicago. One of the best Soul groups who ever did-it and got-away wit-it. Main!!! What ah group back in the day. I YouTube
"I like your lovin'" more than I do their other hits. Instrumentally and vocally
the groove is going-off in multiple directions, simultaneously the vibe hits me on a number of levels throughout.
The bass solo, vocal ad-libs and group harmonies rock. Great production.
Bruce Scott
THE CHI-LITES: Gene, Squirrel, Marshall and Red. One of the Windy City's finest.
Donald Edmunds
I swore this was the Temptations as a pre-teen but when I punched up this song to my surprise the CHI-LITES came up.Similar chord changes to CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU are in this song and close to the time (can’t get next to you) came out.Great song.
W. Roland Chambers
You weren't alone. Of course I knew who it was. But then that's me
Steve Ellis
I opened my dj slot every time with this jam. Hard to beat.
KappaKool67
We tore up the dance floor doing "the football" and "the rock!"