Marshall Thompson (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marshall Thompson
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Thompson on September 30, 2021 at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marshall Thompson |
| Born | August 24, 1942 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
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| Years active | 1964–Present |
| Associated acts | The Chi-Lites |
Marshall Thompson (born August 24, 1942) is an American singer and musician. He is best known as a founding member of The Chi-Lites. This was a Soul and R&B vocal group from Chicago, Illinois.
The Chi-Lites had many popular songs. These included "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her". Other hits were "The Coldest Days of My Life (Part 1)" and "(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People". Twenty-one of their songs made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Chart. Thirty-nine songs appeared on the Billboard Soul/R&B Chart. Eleven of these even reached the Top Ten list.
Contents
About Marshall Thompson
Early Life and Music Studies
Marshall Thompson was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 24, 1942. His father, William "Nose" Thompson, was a pianist. He played with famous musicians like Redd Foxx and Joe Williams.
Marshall grew up on the south side of Chicago. His uncle, who he was named after, taught him to play drums when he was very young. For high school, Marshall first went to Hyde Park Academy High School. Later, he moved to DuSable High School. There, he studied music with a well-known teacher, Captain Walter Dyett.
Starting His Music Career
While still in high school, Marshall Thompson was part of a vocal group called The Desideros. He later joined The Hi-Lites in 1959. This group included Eugene Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Clarence Johnson.
In 1964, The Hi-Lites recorded a song called "You Did That to Me." But they soon changed their name because another group was already using it. To honor their hometown, they first became Marshall & The Chi-Lites. They recorded "Pretty Girl" in 1966. Then, in 1967, they officially became The Chi-Lites.
In 1967, Thompson also became a drummer for the house band at the Regal Theater in Chicago. He played for Gladys Knight & The Pips during their performances. He also toured as a drummer with singer Major Lance.
The Chi-Lites got their big chance in late 1968. They signed a record deal with Brunswick Records in Chicago. They released their first hit song, "Give It Away," in 1969.
The Chi-Lites' Success
From 1970 to 1974, The Chi-Lites had many hit songs. These included "I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine)," which reached No. 11.
Over the years, some members of the group changed. In 1973, Creadel "Red" Jones left the group. Eugene Record, who was the lead singer and wrote most of their hits, left in 1977 to start a solo career. The Chi-Lites continued with Thompson, Lester, and new members. Record later rejoined the group and stayed until the mid-1980s. Original member Creadel "Red" Jones passed away in 1994.
Recent Years and Legacy
Marshall Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester kept The Chi-Lites going with new members. They performed at classic soul concerts and other events. In 2003, Thompson released two solo songs, "Low Key" and "Still In My Head."
Beyonce used a part of The Chi-Lites' song "Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)" for her hit "Crazy In Love." Thompson even played congas on that track!
Original lead singer and songwriter Eugene Record passed away in 2005. Original member Robert "Squirrel" Lester passed away in 2010. By 2011, Marshall Thompson was the last original member of The Chi-Lites still performing. He released another song called "Hold On To Your Dreams."
In 2014, Thompson had a stroke while on a cruise after a performance. That same year, he was featured on the TV show Unsung, which told the story of The Chi-Lites. Thompson also released his book, "The Last Man Standing," in November 2014.
In 2019, Thompson received an award from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI). Their song "Oh Girl" was named No. 36 for song of the century (1900-1999). On September 4, 2019, Thompson was a guest speaker when singer Jackie Wilson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As of 2020, Thompson continues to keep The Chi-Lites' music alive. On September 30, 2021, Thompson received the 2,702nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a member of The Chi-Lites. Actor and comedian Jimmie Walker and radio personality Jeff Foxx were there to present the honor.
Family Life
Marshall Thompson has been married three times. He has fifteen children, 35 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. His second wife, Constance Strong, passed away in a car accident in 1997. Since 2001, Thompson has been married to Tara Thompson, who sings with the current Chi-Lites lineup. He still lives in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Discography
With The Chi-Lites
- See The Chi-Lites discography
Solo Artist
- "Low Key" - 2003 / Mar-Ance Records
- "Still In My Head" - 2003 / Mar-Ance Records
- "Hold On To Your Dreams" - 2011 / Mar-Ance Records
