The Lovettes (2)  (Chicago)
aka The Gems (5)

Personnel :

Jessica Collins (Lead)

Verdine Harrison

Theresa Washburn

Dorothy Hucklebee

Bertha Watts

Raynard Miner (Pianist)

Discography :

Singles :
1962 - One More Year / The Crush (Checker 1033)
1962 - Hands Off / A Love of Mine (Checker 1053)

Unreleased :
1962 - Two Lovers (Checker)

Biography :

The Gems' career began for Leonard and Phil Chess' Chess/Checker/Cadet setup as the Lovettes (no connection to the Lovettes on Carnival Records). Marshall High School students  cut two unsuccessful singles on Checker Records.  Blind pianist/writer Raynard Miner was the secret Gem, and he and Billy "Roquel" Davis, either together or in other combinations, supplied nearly all their material.

                                         1964 - The Gems

Roquel was Chess' A&R director, but despite his clout, the Gems never charted high or established a significant career. Miner accompanied them on piano, but not at all of their performances. These five beautiful girls couldn't help but wow the audience with their singing and looks; their most successful record was "I Can't Help Myself."Roquel renamed the Lovettes the Gems and switched them to Chess Records.

Songs :

(updated by Hans-Joachim)

  
Crush / One More Year                   A Love Of Mine

 ...