The Checkers (American band)

The group formed on 119th Street in Harlem in February 1952. Often times, the group had a fluid membership with the only constants being John and Irwin. With this ever changing roster they’d perform on street corners, at parties, and teen hops. It was there they caught the eye of Bill Brown and Charlie White, both men had just exited The Dominoes months prior and Charlie’s deal with The Clovers fell through at the time. Since there was plenty of spots to fill, they joined the group. James Turner “Buddy” Brewer was called upon to take up baritone duties. James, Bill, and Joe Lamont (also an original member of the Dominoes) had been in the 5 International Gospel Singers of South Carolina together.

Of the two press photos taken, John Carnegie was in neither of them. This was believed to be because his father didn't want him in the group.

By the time early June came, they signed with King, and they were ready to cut their first records. This was the only session to feature John Carnegie’s vocals which were on all 4 sides. After this, John mainly stayed in school and would never record or perform with the Checkers again. From there on out, the group was using the name "The Checkers" to compete with the Dominoes.

In early 1953, Charlie White left due to his drug problems and also finally joined The Clovers. Charlie was replaced by Perry Heyward, former lead of the Sparrows. Perry led “Ghost of my Baby”. [1]

After a few months, Perry would be replaced by David Lee “Little David” Baughan. David would sing falsetto on the bridge of their most famous song, a cover of The White Cliffs of Dover. David would also lead the unreleased “A Friend in Need”.[2]

In the late spring of 1954, David Baughan would exit the group to join the Drifters again, this time as a replacement for Clyde McPhatter. This would cause the break up of most of the original group, Buddy Brewer became a truck driver and Teddy Williams would carry on in the Singinaires with former groupmate John Carnegie. Ultimately, Teddy would give up music all together by the early 1960s.

Bill Brown went about to reform the Checkers before their last studio session in late 1954, this group consisted of Eddie “Monkey Man” Harris (former lead of the Blue Dots on the Deluxe imprint), David Martin (2nd Tenor, in the Sparrows with Perry Heyward), and James Williams (Baritone).

The Checkers would continue to perform live but broke up in mid 1955. Their last record being released post-break up in December 1955. Recording a total of 25 songs all for King and re-released on Federal. Only one track, “A Friend in Need” from 1953 with David Baughan on lead, went unreleased. [3]

The book "Encyclopedia of Rhythm and Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups" By Mitch Rosalsky, says that Bill Brown died In 1956 and Another Source says Bill Brown died In 1958.(Also according to R&B historian Marv Goldberg, Bill Brown died before the mid-70s)

David Baughan died On January 1, 1970, from an accidental fall after a night of drinking. (according To his daughter)[4]

Irwin Richard "Teddy" Williams died on October 17, 1970

John Carnegie died in May, 1979.

Perry Heyward died on July 3, 2010.[5]

• Marv Goldberg's article on the Checkers
• Doo-Wop Blog article on the Checkers