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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWILLIS, Chuck(b 31 Jan. '28, Atlanta GA; d 10 April '58) R&B singer. Attracted local notice, lead singer with Red McAllister band, taken to Columbia Records by Atlanta disc jockey "Daddy' Sears, signed to subsidiary Okeh '52; five hits in R&B chart. More success after move to Atlantic '56: top 40 pop hits with "C.C. Rider', "Betty And Dupree'; 2-sided "What Am I Living For'/"Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes' in the month of his death following surgery. "My Life' charted August '58. Known in final years as "Sheik of The Stroll' due to stage costume and minor hit with dance craze. |