Emile Ford & The Checkmates

R.I.P.

Although they're not too well-remembered today, Emile Ford & the Checkmates accomplished the serious feat of charting a number one British single in 1959, opening up a recording career that lasted four years. Ford was born Emile Sweetman on October 16, 1937, in Castries, St. Lucia in the British West Indies. He came to England in the mid-'50s from the Bahamas with the hope of becoming a sound engineer, and his knowledge in that field contributed directly to his subsequent success fronting a band. Changing his name to Emile Ford, he put together a combo called the Checkmates, whose members included his two half-brothers, George Sweetman and Dave Sweetman, on sax and bass, respectively, along with Ken Street, Pete Carter, Les Hart, Alan Hawkshaw, and John Cuffley. As Emile Ford & the Checkmates, they won a talent contest sponsored by Pye Records and were awarded an audition and a contract that resulted in their first single, "Don't Tell Me Your Troubles" b/w "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For," which was produced by the legendary Joe Meek. Fortunately for all concerned, Pye's management liked the proposed B-side better and flipped the single before release, and "Why Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For" hit the number one spot in England, immediately establishing the band as a major act.