The Charades
California doo-wop group active since the late 1950s.
The Charades is a doo-wop and R&B group formed in California in the late 1950s, active through the early to mid-1960s and beyond. They recorded on several labels, including one owned by Fred Astaire, and had a minor hit with "Please Be My Love Tonight." The group continues to perform and record, spanning six decades.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Tulare, California, U.S.
- Genre
- R&B
- doo-wop
- surf music
- Years active
- 1960s most active, still going today
- Label
- Northridge
- Impact
- Äva
- Original Sound
- Charade Records
- Associated acts
- The Latin Knights; The Rhythm Aces
- Past members
- Johnny T.Johnson
- Syl Grigsby
- Alex Pilkinton
- Lavern Butler
- Leon Baradat (until 1958)
Facts from the source article.
Background
The group began in Tulare, California, in the late 1950s as The Latin Knights, performing at local functions in the San Joaquin Valley. They recorded for Swingin' and Weber Records, but those recordings were not released. In 1962, they changed their name to The Charades and signed with Anthony J. Hilder. Their first release was on Northridge Records. Another release appeared on Äva Records, a label owned by Fred Astaire. Hilder co-composed and produced "Please Be My Love Tonight," with Robert Hafner co-composing the B-side. Other 45s came out on Original Sound and Impact Records. An unrelated Nashville group also used the name The Charades, as did an Australian surf act.
Career
After two singles in 1962 on Northridge and Impact, "Please Be My Love Tonight" b/w "Turn Him Down" was released on Äva in 1963. "Turn Him Down," written by Hafner and Reeth, was also recorded by The Cupons as "Turn Her Down." Cashbox reviewed "Please Be My Love Tonight" in its December 28 issue, comparing the group to The Channels and noting the song could gain airplay. In February 1964, Mickey Wallach of MGM-Verve reported strong response to the song. That year, "Delano Soul Beat" appeared on the compilation album KPOI's Battle Of The Surfing Bands! on Del-Fi Records. Also in 1964, "Take A Chance" b/w "Close To Me" was released on Original Sound. In May 1964, the group recorded instrumentals "Christina" and "Sophia" under Tony Hilder. That year, Ray Baradat was drafted; the group returned to Tulare County until his return. Around 1967, Tom Johnston joined for a couple of years before being replaced by Bobby Dennison; Johnston later became a member of The Doobie Brothers. In 1973, Baradat sought Hilder in Los Angeles to recover master tapes; Hilder, no longer in music, allowed Baradat to take tapes from a Santa Monica carport. This led to recording songs for the movie Black Lolita, including "Bad Lolita" and "All My Love."
Later years
By 2009, Ray Baradat had retired from the Tulare Joint Union High School District after 33 years. An exhibit of Charades memorabilia ran at the Tulare Historical Museum from July 2 to August 30. In 2012, Reverb Central gave "Sophia" a five-star rating on the compilation Surf-Age Nuggets. In Fall 2017, they played a one-night concert for Porterville High School's Class of 1962 reunion. Original members Baradat and Grigsby continue to perform and record, releasing a two-CD set "Connections" in 2010 and "Echoes of Yesterday" in 2015.
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