A soulful voice behind hits like "Have You Seen Her" and "Trying to Get to You", this singer-songwriter crafted catchy, harmony-rich R&B classics that still resonate today.
Eugene Record is best known as the lead vocalist of the Chicago-based vocal group The Chi-Lites, a position he held from the group's formation in 1959 until 1973, and again from 1980 to 1988. With his smooth, soulful voice and songwriting skills, Record wrote and produced many of the group's hits in the 1970s, earning him a Grammy Award and cementing his place in music history.
Born on December 23, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Record was drawn to music through his older sister's involvement as a pianist. He learned to play the guitar and formed his first group while still in high school with Robert Lester, who would later become a member of The Chi-Lites.
Record's big break came when The Chi-Lites were signed by Brunswick Records production chief Carl Davis. With Record's songwriting skills and the group's harmonious sound, they produced a string of hits, including "Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl," "Homely Girl," and "Give More Power to the People." These songs not only topped the charts but also became soul music classics.
When Brunswick Records began to falter in the mid-1970s, Record decided to pursue a solo career, releasing three albums on Warner Music Group. Although these albums did not achieve the same level of success as his work with The Chi-Lites, they showcased Record's continued growth as a songwriter and artist. In 1980, he reunited with The Chi-Lites and continued to perform and record with the group until his eventual retirement.
Eugene Record's legacy extends far beyond his work with The Chi-Lites. He was a prolific songwriter and producer, working with artists such as Barbara Acklin, Jackie Wilson, and The Impressions. His music has influenced generations of soul and R&B artists, and his songs continue to be covered and sampled by contemporary artists.
Record's contributions to music were recognized with a Grammy Award and numerous other accolades. He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of soul and R&B music around the world.
Record passed away on July 22, 2005, but his music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans. Despite his passing, his soulful voice and timeless songs remain an integral part of music history, a testament to the enduring power of soul and R&B music.
These iconic songs represent just a small sample of Record's impressive discography, but they are a testament to his enduring influence on soul and R&B music.
84 Years Old
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Soulful voice and iconic songs like "What's Going On" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that continue to inspire generations with their timeless blend of R&B, soul, and social commentary.
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95 Years Old
Pioneering soul and R&B vocalist, known for smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "You Send Me".
