Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • TV by Decade
        • TV – 1950s
        • TV – 1960s
        • TV – 1970s
        • TV – 1980s
        • TV – 1990s
      • Comedy
      • Drama
      • Kids TV
      • Variety
      • News & Sport
      • Advertisements
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • Music – 1950s
        • Music – 1960s
        • Music – 1970s
        • Music – 1980s
        • Music – 1990s
      • Artists – A to K
        • Artists – A
        • Artists – B
        • Artists – C
        • Artists – D
        • Artists – E
        • Artists – F
        • Artists – G
        • Artists – H
        • Artists – I
        • Artists – J
        • Artists – K
      • Artists – L to Z
        • Artists – L
        • Artists – M
        • Artists – N
        • Artists – O
        • Artists – P
        • Artists – Q
        • Artists – R
        • Artists – S
        • Artists – T
        • Artists – U
        • Artists – V
        • Artists – W
        • Artists – X
        • Artists – Y
        • Artists – Z
      • Artists – 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • Movies – 1950s
        • Movies – 1960s
        • Movies – 1970s
        • Movies – 1980s
        • Movies – 1990s
      • Movies – 0 to 9
      • Movies – A to K
        • Movies – A
        • Movies – B
        • Movies – C
        • Movies – D
        • Movies – E
        • Movies – F
        • Movies – G
        • Movies – H
        • Movies – I
        • Movies – J
        • Movies – K
      • Movies – L to Z
        • Movies – L
        • Movies – M
        • Movies – N
        • Movies – O
        • Movies – P
        • Movies – Q
        • Movies – R
        • Movies – S
        • Movies – T
        • Movies – U
        • Movies – V
        • Movies – W
        • Movies – X
        • Movies – Y
        • Movies – Z
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Radio
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Music»Artists - A to K»Artists - E
    Artists - E Music - 1950s Music - 1960s 3 Mins Read

    Emile Ford (& The Checkmates)

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    In a musical climate that had been dominated by white British and American acts, Emile Ford forged a name for himself as Britain’s first black pop star.

    Born Michael Emile Telford Miller on 16 October 1937, in St Lucia, Windward Islands (Bahamas) he emigrated to London during the 1950s. His family insisted he complete his education in London, but after studying at Paddington Technical College and Tottenham Polytechnic, the young man’s interest turned to music.

    emileford2By early 1959 he was heading his own group, The Checkmates – featuring his brother George and college friend Ken Street. The trio hit the popular Soho skiffle circuit of coffee bars and clubs, and before the close of 1959 they had won a Soho Fair talent contest.

    A recording contract with Pye followed and additional members were brought in to The Checkmates.

    During October 1959 the group recorded a beaty version of the 1916 show tune What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For? and success was instant. The single raced to the top of the British chart in January 1960 and stayed there for six weeks, earning Emile Ford his first gold disc for sales in excess of one million.

    His second single was another cover version – On A Slow Boat To China (written by Frank Loesser in 1948). The track missed the top spot, peaking at #3, but proving Ford was no ‘one-hit wonder’. For some reason, Ford chose a change of musical direction for his third single, You’ll Never Know What You’re Missing. Despite its catchiness the record stalled outside the Top 10.

    Hasty plans were made for a follow-up and, this time, he chose Billie Holiday‘s jazz standard Them There Eyes.

    For the recording of this track, Pye elected to back Emile with the Johnny Keating Orchestra rather than use The Checkmates. An immediate rift was caused between Ford and the record company, and the single barely crept into the Top 20.

    Counting Teardrops returned Ford to the Top 5 but the impetus was short lived. His career was in decline by the time the aptly-titled What Am I Gonna Do? was released in March 1961.

    Written by Neil Sedaka and previously recorded by Jimmy Clanton, the single struggled into the British Top 40, and in an attempt to alleviate any further decline in sales Ford reverted to his old familiar sound to revive I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now. Remarkably, even this failed to dent the Top 40 and represented his last chart entry.

    By 1963 The Checkmates abandoned Emile, although their own subsequent recording career was nondescript, and after five singles flopped in a row they called it a day.

    John Cutley moved on to The Climax Blues Band, George Ford recorded and toured with Cockney Rebel, and Ken Street turned to management to look after Love Affair.

    Emile moved into club land and worked as a studio sound engineer, and by 1988 had opened his own electronics company.

    Ford passed away in London on 11 April 2016. He was 78.

    Related Posts

    • Fats Domino
      Fats Domino
      He was born Antoine Domino in New Orleans in February 1928, and since his first professional appearance at the age…
    • Julie London
      Julie London
      Born Gayle Peck in 1926, Julie London married actor Jack Webb of Dragnet fame in 1947. They were drawn to each…
    • Tommy Steele
      Tommy Steele
      Tommy Steele was born Thomas Hicks in Bermondsey, London on 17 December 1936. After leaving school he joined the Merchant…
    • Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers
      Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers
      Originally based in East Anglia (they formed at a Norwich college), The Jaywalkers pre-dated the British Beat Boom but scored…
    • Young Tradition, The
      Young Tradition, The
      Peter Bellamy, Royston Wood and Heather Wood (no relation) came together in April 1965 as The Young Tradition. While the Incredible…
    • Kalin Twins, The
      Kalin Twins, The
      Twins Herbert and Harold Kalin were born in Port Jervis, New York, in February 1934 but later moved with their…
    • Terry Dene
      Terry Dene
      South Londoner Terry Dene (born Terence Williams) was one of many early UK rockers to benefit from the opportunity to…
    • Tennessee Ernie Ford
      Tennessee Ernie Ford
      Six years before Johnny Cash recorded his hugely influential live album within the walls of San Quentin prison, western balladeer Ford gave…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleEmbassy Records
    Next Article Emmylou Harris

    Comments are closed.

    A Labour of Love

    Nostalgia Central has been a labour of love for me since 1998.

    If you find the site informative or enjoyable, please consider a donation – no matter how small – to help me with the running costs of the site and ensure I can keep Nostalgia Central running for your entertainment and education.

    Thank you so much, and please enjoy your trip in the time machine!
    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • Kaleidoscope (1966)
      Warren Beatty starred in this swingin’ 60s affair as […]
    • Devils, The (1971)
      Cruel, perverse, repulsive, sacrilegious, and vulgar, The Devils […]
    • Aliens (1986)
      “Get away from her, you bitch!” Director James […]
    • Rich Tea & Sympathy
      1 9 9 1 (UK) 6 x 60 minute episodes Following on from his […]
    • Sea Hunt
      1 9 5 7 – 1 9 6 0 (USA) 155 x 30 minute episodes Although […]
    • Chuck Berry, Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Dies at 90
      18 March 2017 Chuck Berry, the singer, songwriter and guitar […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-65006801 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Terry Hall: Coventry scooter ride-out pays tribute to singer

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Hundreds of people ride through Coventry on what would have been the singer's 64th birthday.
    6 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    metro.co.uk/2023/03/13/the-whos-roger-daltrey-thinks-theres-no-point-releasing-an-album-18434779/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Who's Roger Daltrey thinks there's 'no point' releasing another album

    metro.co.uk

    Bad luck.
    6 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-64963359 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Sir Michael Caine's first Rolls Royce sells at Duxford for £120K

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The Italian Job actor hired a chauffeur to drive the 1968 Silver Shadow, with its doors still intact.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64900348 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Mystic Meg: Astrologer dies aged 80

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The TV star, whose real name was Margaret Lake, was a well-known TV figure in the 1990s.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Do you think she know it eas going to happen

    PlayTalk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay

    Talk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay ... See MoreSee Less

    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71.
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Guitarist Gary Rossington had survived a 1977 air crash that killed several of his bandmates.
    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    What a talented man. Lucky enough to see original band in concert. BRILLIANT.

    Rest in peace Dickie Davies. An absolute giant of British sports broadcasting.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Dickie Davies, World of Sport presenter, dies at 94

    www.theguardian.com

    The broadcaster became something of a cult figure after fronting the ITV show for 20 years
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Yes, one of the great presenters. R.I.P.

    For fans of the radio series Round The Horne (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty close to the edge, even by modern standards. Bona! 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA

    For fans of the radio series "Round The Horne" (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty "close to the edge", even by modern standards. Bona!

    open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA
    ... See MoreSee Less

    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    For those interested, the complete “Jules and Sandy” is available on Audible…

    Bona to vada your jolly old eek. Lovely riah....

    RIP the beautiful Stella Stevens, who has died at the age of 84.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Stella Stevens: Nutty Professor and Poseidon Adventure star dies at 84

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The co-star of Elvis Presley also worked in TV on series such as Murder She Wrote and Magnum, P.I.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    A very young Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison and friends. 

If they only knew what lay ahead . . .

    A very young Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison and friends.

    If they only knew what lay ahead . . .
    ... See MoreSee Less

    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 18
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    I always hated the Beatles, and as it happens I still do.

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Tag Cloud
    1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games British Invasion Britpop Bubblegum music Canada Civil rights Cold War Computer games Crime Disc Jockeys Disco Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Folk rock Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen James Bond JFK Kraütrock Labels Madchester Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave New Zealand Nixon Northern Soul NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Politics Power Pop Prog rock Pub rock Punk Radio Reggae Rolling Stones Scotland Ska Ska revival Skiffle Soul music Space Race Sport Surf music Video games Vietnam war
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central. Run by volunteers. Funded by donations.
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.