The Checkers (American band)

The Checkers were an American doo-wop group formed in 1952. Bill Brown formed the Checkers after leaving the Dominoes. The Members were John Carnegie (Lead 1), Charlie White (lead 2) from The Clovers, James Turner "Buddy" Brewer (Baritone), Irwin "Teddy" Williams (Tenor), and Bill Brown (Bass). The Checkers [2]. The group was active from 1952 to 1955 when they would break up, only recording records on King Records and their subsidiary Federal Records. The most notable aspect of the group was their constantly changing sound. King kept on releasing bands under the pseudonym of "The Checkers" until the mid 70s.

The Checkers 1952. Top left: Bill Brown. Top right: Irwin Williams. Bottom left: Buddy Brewer. Bottom right: Charlie White.

Career

The group formed on 119th Street in Harlem in February of 1952. Then it was just John and Irwin and among unknown members. Their name was chosen because they were fans of the Dominoes. James would soon join as well. After changing their roster quite often and performing on street corners, parties, and teen hops, they would meet up with Bill and Charlie. After that they starting to be recognized and stopped changing their roster. Two press photos were even taken. John never being in them because his father didn't want him in the group.

By the time June came, they were ready to cut their first records. They were signed with King and recorded their first records on June 4th. John would be singing in the background of them. Recording 4 sides. But apart from those few records, John would not really be part of the group because of his father not wanting him in the group and wanting him to be in school. From there on out, the group was using the name "The Checkers" to compete with the Dominoes. They would still record and perform throughout the rest of the years until they would break up in 1955. Their last record being released post-break up in December 1955. Recording a total of 12 songs all for King and re-released on Federal.[1]

References
  1. The Checkers . Accessed 22 April 2020


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