Marshall Thompson (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marshall Thompson
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Thompson at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on September 30, 2021.
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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 famous for being one of the original members of the soul and R&B group The Chi-Lites. The group came from Chicago, Illinois.
The Chi-Lites had many hit songs that were popular on both Pop and R&B music charts. Some of their biggest hits include "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her". They had 21 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Chart. Eleven of their songs reached the Top Ten on the Billboard R&B chart.
Contents
Life and Music Career
Growing Up in Chicago
Marshall Thompson was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 24, 1942. His father, William "Nose" Thompson, was a pianist who played with famous musicians like Joe Williams.
Growing up, Thompson's uncle taught him how to play the drums. He went to DuSable High School, where he studied music with the well-known teacher Captain Walter Dyett.
The Start of The Chi-Lites
In 1959, while still in high school, Thompson joined a vocal group called The Hi-Lites. The group included Eugene Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Creadel "Red" Jones. In 1964, they changed their name to honor their hometown of Chicago. They became Marshall & The Chi-Lites and later just The Chi-Lites.
In 1968, The Chi-Lites signed a contract with Brunswick Records. This was their big break. The next year, they released their first charting single, "Give It Away."
A String of Hit Songs
From 1970 to 1974, The Chi-Lites were very successful. They released many hit songs one after another. Their famous songs from this time include:
- "(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People"
- "Have You Seen Her"
- "Oh Girl" (which reached No. 1 on both Pop and R&B charts)
- "The Coldest Days of My Life (Part 1)"
- "... Out of My Mind"
Over the years, some members left the group and new ones joined. But Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester kept the group going. Eugene Record, who wrote many of their hits, left for a solo career but later returned for a while.
The Last Man Standing
By 2011, after other original members had passed away, Thompson became the last original member of The Chi-Lites still performing. He has worked hard to keep the group's music alive.
In 2003, the famous singer Beyoncé used a sample from The Chi-Lites' song "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)" in her own hit song, "Crazy in Love". Thompson even played the conga drums on Beyoncé's track.
In 2014, Thompson was featured on the TV show Unsung, which told the story of The Chi-Lites. That same year, he suffered a stroke but recovered.
Honors and Awards
The Chi-Lites' music has been recognized with major awards. Their song "Oh Girl" was named one of the top songs of the 20th century by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI).
On September 30, 2021, The Chi-Lites received a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marshall Thompson was there to accept the honor, celebrating the group's lasting legacy in music.
Personal Life
Thompson has been married three times. His current wife, Tara Thompson, sings with the modern lineup of The Chi-Lites. He has a large family with many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He still lives in his hometown of Chicago.
Discography
With The Chi-Lites
- For a full list of their songs and albums, see The Chi-Lites discography.
Solo Music
- 2003: "Low Key" and "Still In My Head"
- 2011: "Hold On To Your Dreams"
