Ep 8. The Chi-Lites

The episode of UnSung season 8, episode 8, titled "The Chi-Lites," explores the Chicago-based R&B group's rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. The Chi-Lites, formed in the 1960s, consisted of members Eugene Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, Creadel "Red" Jones, and Marshall Thompson. The group's soulful sound and tight harmonies resulted in a string of hits that have stood the test of time.

The episode delves into the group's formation, beginning with the meeting of Eugene Record and Robert Lester in high school. They would later join forces with Creadel Jones and Marshall Thompson to create a group that would shape the sound of R&B in the 1970s. UnSung takes the viewer through the group's early years, including their signing to Brunswick Records and the production of their first album, "Give It Away."

The Chi-Lites' unique sound and soulful ballads caught the attention of the music industry, and they soon found themselves at the top of the charts with their hit song, "Have You Seen Her." The song became the group's biggest hit, spending five weeks at number one on the R&B charts and reaching number three on the pop charts. The band's follow-up single, "Oh Girl," also peaked at number one on the R&B charts and number one on the pop charts.

Despite their success, the Chi-Lites faced many challenges along the way. The episode explores the group's struggles with record label politics, internal conflict, and the changing landscape of R&B in the 1980s. Record label disputes and a lack of royalty payments left the group in financial distress, and they broke up in the mid-1980s.

UnSung season 8, episode 8 also includes interviews with members of the Chi-Lites, as well as industry insiders and historians. These interviews provide insight into the group's unique sound and the impact they had on the R&B genre. The episode includes archival footage of performances and interviews, as well as rare photos and recordings.

"The Chi-Lites" episode of UnSung season 8 provides a comprehensive look at the rise, fall, and legacy of one of the most important R&B groups of the 1970s. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the Chi-Lites and anyone interested in the history of R&B music. Through interviews with the band members and industry insiders, UnSung season 8, episode 8 invites the viewer to take a deep dive into the world of the Chi-Lites and the music that made them famous.