chico leverett

Biography

Charles "Chico" Leverett was an American singer and songwriter who played a foundational role in the early days of Motown. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Leverett emerged from the vibrant local R&B and doo-wop scene, quickly becoming known for his smooth vocal style and songwriting talent. He was a founding member of The Satintones, the first group ever to record for Motown, predating even the Miracles. Leverett's creative force helped shape the group's sound, which blended tight harmonies with the emerging Motown aesthetic.

Leverett also recorded as a solo artist, releasing "Solid Sender" on Tamla Records in 1959, before the Motown name was officially adopted. His work with The Satintones included several singles between 1959 and 1961, such as "Going to the Hop" and "Motor City." Although the group never achieved commercial success, their recordings laid important groundwork for the Motown sound and contributed to the label's early identity. Leverett left The Satintones in 1961, and the group soon disbanded, but his influence persisted through Motown's formative years.

Leverett's musical style was rooted in doo-wop and R&B, characterized by melodic vocal arrangements and lyrical storytelling. His legacy is that of a Motown pioneer, whose contributions are often overshadowed by later stars but remain significant in the history of American popular music. Chico Leverett passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 79, leaving behind a modest but important catalog of recordings that continue to be rediscovered by enthusiasts of early Motown.

Fun Facts

• The Satintones were the first group ever to record a single for Motown, beating Smokey Robinson's Miracles by three months.
• Chico Leverett's solo single "Solid Sender" was released before Motown officially adopted its name.
• The Satintones' song "Motor City" is rumored to have inspired Berry Gordy to name his label "Motown."
• Leverett's group recorded a large amount of unreleased material for a planned LP, which was only released decades later in 2009.

Associated Acts

• The Satintones (until 1960-04)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Berry Gordy - Motown founder and early employer; provided guidance and opportunities at Tamla/Motown (Satintones singles, "Solid Sender") [1959-1961]

Key Collaborators

• Sonny Sanders - Bandmate in The Satintones; co-founder and vocalist (Satintones singles) [1959-1961]
• James Ellis - Bandmate in The Satintones (Satintones singles) [1959-1961]
• Robert Bateman - Bandmate in The Satintones; later Motown songwriter (Satintones singles) [1959-1961]

Artists Influenced

• Brian Holland - Early collaborator; later part of Holland-Dozier-Holland, Motown's legendary songwriting team (Motown songwriting and production) [1960s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Look Into The Future (Detroit Soul, The Motorcity Years, Vol. 8)
2. Love Makes The World Go Round (Detroit Soul Back by Demand)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz