Chris Bartley RIP

Sad news reported in the forum by Dave Moore of the passing on of Chris Bartley

Chris Bartley born April 17, 1947/9 Harlem

Chris Bartley grew up listening to '50s soul and doo wop, and formed his own group in the early 1960's with William Graham, Henry Powell, Sam Nesbitt, and Ronald Marshall. The group was initially called The Soulful Inspirations, but changed names several times, including a stint as The Mindbenders.

Later in the 1960s, Bartley and Marshall auditioned as a duo with Van McCoy, and McCoy elected to sign Bartley to a solo deal with Cameo-Parkway subsidiary Vando Records. Bartley hit the pop charts with the McCoy-penned single "The Sweetest Thing This Side of Heaven", peaking at #10 on the US R&B Singles chart and #32 on the Billboard pop charts in 1967.Bartley released a full album behind the single and toured both in America and England following the song's success.

After Vando ceased he signed for Buddah but retired from recording in the early 70s. Though did continue performing with appearances in the uk in 1975

more info

amg

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:f9fixqr5ldse~T1

soulful kinda music

http://www.soulfulkindamusic.net/cbartley.htm