The Charades

Having released two singles in 1962, one on the Northridge label and another on Tony Hilder's Impact label,[11][12] "Please Be My Love Tonight" b/w "Turn Him Down" was released on Äva in 1963.[13] "Turn Him Down", which was written by Hafner and Reeth, was also recorded by The Cupons as "Turn Her Down" b/w "I'll Be Your Love Tonight" (by Materlyn And The Cupons) and released on Impact.[14] In a short review of "Please Be My Love Tonight", Cashbox said in its December 28 issue that the group with its lovey-dovey song was dipping back into the teen-ballad harmony of some years back. A comparison to The Channels was made. It also said that the song could get some airtime headway.[15] In February 1964, Mickey Wallach of MGM-Verve informed Cashbox that the song, plus "Mondo Cane #2" by Kai Winding along with some others, was getting a strong response.[16] Also that year, a song they recorded, "Delano Soul Beat", appeared on the KPOI's Battle Of The Surfing Bands! compilation album which was released on Del-Fi Records.[17] Also that year, "Take A Chance" b/w "Close To Me" was released on the Original Sound label.[18] In May 1964, the band recorded two instrumentals under Tony Hilder's supervision. They were "Christina" and "Sophia".[19][20] Also that year, Ray Baradat was drafted into the army. The group went back to Tulare County, playing local gigs until he returned.[21]

Some time in 1967, the group was joined by Tom Johnston who stayed with them for a couple of years. He was replaced by guitarist Bobby Dennison. Johnston who would go on to become a member of The Doobie Brothers.[19][22]

In 1973 Ray Baradat went to Los Angeles to try to find Tony Hilder, who had produced for the group. He was wanting to see if there were any surviving recordings by the group that were left on tape. By that time Hilder was no longer in the music business. However, in a Santa Monica carport there were master tapes there and under cover. Hilder said to Baradat to take what he wanted, and see if he could release them if wished to. This also led to Hilder asking the group if they would be interested in recording some songs for a movie soundtrack. Two songs that were recorded by The Charades for the movie were "Bad Lolita" and "All My Love". "Bad Lolita" was the title song for the movie of the same name. It was a Blaxploitation film.[23][21] The film Black Lolita featured Yolanda Love as Lolita, Anthony Mannino and Jefferson Richard.[24] As a result of the session, they met Motown Records engineer/producer Art Stewart which resulted in them having a relationship with him and Motown.[23] In 1976, the single "Corruption" was released. In the soul / funk genre, it was produced, co-composed and arranged by Art Stewart.[25]

In 1983, Sally Watson joined the group and was the first female to join the ranks. In 1992, the group ceased performing full-time.[26]