Emile Ford

Emile Ford was a pioneering British singer and musician who achieved fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Here are some facts about him:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Emile Ford was born Emile Sweetman on October 16, 1937, in Castries, Saint Lucia, which was then part of the British Windward Islands (now part of Saint Lucia). He moved to the United Kingdom with his family in the early 1950s, where he pursued a career in music. Ford initially performed in various bands and ensembles, honing his musical skills and developing his distinctive vocal style.

2. The Checkmates and Chart Success: Emile Ford found success with his backing group, The Checkmates, which included his brothers George and Dave Sweetman, along with Ken Street. The group's breakthrough came in 1959 with the release of their debut single, "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?" The song, a cover of a 1916 Tin Pan Alley tune, became a massive hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and selling over a million copies. It was one of the first British records to reach number one in the UK charts.

3. Innovative Musical Style: Emile Ford and The Checkmates were known for their innovative approach to music, blending elements of rock and roll, calypso, and pop to create a unique sound. Their music appealed to a wide audience, combining catchy melodies with Emile Ford's smooth vocals and The Checkmates' tight instrumentation. Their success helped pave the way for the British invasion of the American music scene in the early 1960s.

4. Continued Career and Influence: Following the success of "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?" Emile Ford and The Checkmates released several more singles and albums throughout the early 1960s, including "On a Slow Boat to China" and "Half of My Heart". While they never replicated the massive success of their debut single, they remained popular performers on the British music scene and continued to influence subsequent generations of musicians.

5. Later Years and Legacy: Emile Ford's career slowed down in the late 1960s and 1970s, as musical tastes shifted and he focused on other pursuits. However, his contributions to British popular music are widely recognized, and he is remembered as a trailblazer who helped popularize rock and roll and calypso music in the UK. Emile Ford passed away on April 11, 2016, but his music continues to be celebrated by fans