R&B group originated in neighborhood around Greenmount and Preston Streets. The group featured tight harmony vocals with a backing rhythm section. Members included Ronnie Hammond (vocals), Lester ‘Chick’ Harris (vocals), Elaine Jenkins (vocals), Evelyn Robertson (vocals), Alice Wilhoit (vocals), Sharon Burton, Charles Addison (lead guitar ex-Del-Capris, Ravenettes), Lindsay Addison (drums, bass), and Vaudrey Thompson (bass guitar).
Their record releases include a mid-‘60s single “No Friends at All” (written by Wade-Addison-Hammond, lead vocals by Ronnie) b/w “Are You Ready” (written by Wade-Addison-Harris). The single was credited as by the Chappells.
Back: Wilhoit, Robinson.
Photo courtesy of Alice Wilhoit
Around 1971 the group with above noted lineup traveled to New York with their manager R. B. Patterson to do some additional recordings. From those sessions they released the single “You’re Acting Kind of Strange” (lead vocal by Elaine) b/w “Help Me Somebody.” Their original songs featured lyrics written by the Chapells vocalists while the music was written by the rhythm section. The New York studio overdubbed some strings and brass which were not included with the commercial release.
Locally the Chapells performed at Hot Rod’s Outer Limits, Everyday People…
Wilhoit went on to sing with Oneness, Earth LTD, Jijinx, and 25+ years with Richard Calloway & the United Creative Soul (U.C.S.) Band.
In 2016 the original 4 sides plus other unreleased studio recordings were issued on LP.
196* Double Check 4001 No Friends at All / Are You Ready
1971 Bedford 108 You’re Acting Kind of Strange / Help Me Somebody
2016 (LP) Bedford 1252 Are You Ready For the Chappells
