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

I Like Your Lovin'
The Chi-Lites Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Friends of mine try to change
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

Where's the nobody but me and you
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]

Overall Meaning

The Chi-Lites' song "I Like Your Lovin'" talks about a man who is firm and resolved in his love for someone, despite the doubts and criticism from his friends. The lyrics depict a man who is isolated on an island with his lover and sees no better way to live except with her. He listens to the objections of his friends but remains certain in his decision to be with his lover. The lyrics "I'd like to live here forever" and "never gonna let you go" show the permanence of his love and how he is dedicated to his relationship.

Overall, the song portrays a positive and passionate message about love and taking risks for it. The man in the song is confident in his love, regardless of what others may think, and he cherishes the time he spends with his lover. The repetition of the phrase "I like your loving, do you like mine" further emphasizes the mutual love and admiration that exists between the couple.

Line by Line Meaning

Friends of mine try to change
My friends are telling me to stop loving you

My mind about loving you
They want me to change my thoughts about loving you

They say I made a bad mistake
They think I've made a terrible decision by loving you

So I stop (stop) and I listen
I pause and consider what my friends are telling me

Giving up just ain't no way
But I can't give up on you

I'm like a man stranded on an island
I feel alone in my love for you

Where's the nobody but me and you
It's just me and you in this love

Oh, it just couldn't be no better
It feels perfect

I'd like to live here forever
I wish this love could last forever

And I just got to tell you
I need to confess my love for you

Never gonna let you go
I'll never leave you