Updated January 2010
For every fuzz-driven garage screamer, there are a dozen records like this one by the Checkmates: competent and upbeat but uncompromised pop music. I didn’t know much about the group until people commented and wrote to me, so I’m adding some of the comments into this article.
Ray Ruff was an Amarillo impresario, owning the Checkmate night club, a recording studio and Ruff Records. He was also a partner in Sully Records, eventually taking it over from Gene Sullivan, who had started it in Oklahoma City in 1959.
A paragraph from Ruff’s obituary gives some background on his early music career:
Ray Ruff befriended Buddy Holly’s record producer Norman Petty and, after Holly’s death, he made several soundalike recordings, deliberately wearing spectacles like Holly’s when he recorded. Ruff often worked with his group the Checkmates, but they became the Executioners and wore hooded masks on stage.
There are at least eight different 45s by Ruff with the Checkmates, mostly on Norman Records, from between 1959 to the early ’60s.
Bobby Hacker commented below:
I was his first drummer and I recorded several records with the Checkmates under the Norman label. Ray was the vocalist along with Chuck Tharp. Tharp was the original vocalist for the Fireballs. Charles McClure was the lead guitarist, Tharp was rhythm guitarist and Tom Beck was bass guitarist. We toured the mid-west U.S., along with two provinces in western Canada. Most of our recordings were done in Clovis, N.M. at Norman Petty studios. While on the road, we. the Checkmates, recorded in St. Louis, Mo. backing a singer, trumpet player named Gabriel.
The year was 1961 and I am the only living survivor of the original Checkmates mentioned here. Ray Ruff went through several musicians during the 1960’s and he passed away a couple of years ago in L.A. He was very sucessful as a record producer but not that good a singer when I worked with him. He supposedly along with Norman Petty, formed the Checkmates.
Tom McCarty of the Page Boys wrote to me:
Ray Ruff had a recording studio in Amarillo at the Trades Fair shopping center at N.E. 24th and Grand. Ray was a Buddy Holly look-alike/wannabe who toured the mid-west with the Checkmates from Scotts Bluff, Nebraska – Minot, Minnesota, etc. If memory serves me right, The Checkmates had pretty well disbanded by 1966 which is about the time I met Ray Ruff. They were really a good group. Larry Marcum, their lead guitarist, was a good musician and a nice fellow.
Jerry Hodges commented:
I played with Bob and Larry Marcum with the Checkmates. I remember a tour to North Dakota with with Ray Ruff. I think we traveled in a Nash Rambler. I can also remember going into the Norman Petty studio and Larry wanted to play bass, so we switched as I was the bass player.
The band’s lineup had changed considerably since Ruff fronted the group, and by the time of the 45 I’m featuring here the band included Galen Ray (Galen Ray Englebrick) on bass. Galen Ray wrote both sides of this 45. There’s another 45 on Ruff by the Charming Checkmates – Just to Make Me Cry, that I haven’t heard.
Also see the Ruff and Sully discographies I’ve posted here.
Anyone have a photo of the group?
I was surprised that there was no info about The Checkmates. If it’s the same Checkmates, They had a top 100 song. I think it was called Black Pearl.
Anyway, they were big hit around Las Vegas for many years. They played the showrooms
and lounges.
The Checkmates of Amarillo never played Las Vegas showrooms nor had a ‘hit’ titled Black Pearl. Two different groups obviously. The only near hit by Ray Ruff was possibly ‘Blue Angel’ that might have cracked the top fifty, as promoted over KOMA. I disagree that Ray Ruff couldn’t sing because he actually sang ‘on key’ and had a recordible voice, for the time anyway! I don’t think his career as a producer was all it was cracked up to be, however. In his biography Jimmy Bowen is credited as the producer of a Hank Williams, Jr. hit which Ray had claimed to have produced. Also there is no mention of Ray Ruff on the record label or liner notes, just Jimmy Bowen.
Well, I’m late to the party…It’s 2023. My uncle is Galen Ray(e). Last name is spelled Engelbrecht. Someone in the comments was looking for a picture. I know my family has one or two. When I find them, I’ll post. Thanks for putting this great info on here.
As previously stated, Ray Ruff (Ruffin) was the creator of the label. I was his first drummer and I recorded several records with the Checkmates under the Norman label. Ray was the vocalist along with Chuck Tharp. Charles McClure was the lead guitarist, Tharp was rhythm guitarist and Tom Beck was bass guitarist. We toured the mid-west U.S.,along with two provinces in western Canada. Most of our recordings were done in Clovis, N.M. at Norman Petty studios. While on the road, We. the Checkmates, recorded in St. Louis, Mo. backing a singer, trumpet player named Gabriel.
The year was 1961 and I am the only living survivor of the original Checkmates mentioned here. Ray Ruff went through several musicians during the 1960’s and he passed away a couple of years ago in L.A. He was very sucessful as a record producer but not that good a singer when I worked with him. He supposedly along with Norman Petty, formed the Checkmates. I heard later there was another group called the Checkmates from Canada. Chuck Tharp was the original vocalist for the Fireballs. Ray moved to L.A. from Amarillo in the late 1960’s.
The “other” Checkmate band from Canada were known as Jon and Lee and the Checkmates formerly known as Lee Jackson and the Checkmates. They opened for The Rolling Stones I believe their first gig at Maple Leaf Gardens. They were a great R&B band but had alot of internal and external strife. Changing members and name
often.
This particular group the Checkmates were based out of Amarillo, TX. Their manager/producer was Ray (Ruffin) Ruff. He owned a nightclub in Amarillo, the Checkmate Club, and had his own label, Ruff Records. He was also the producer of the sessions for Ruff Records. I remember that the Yardbirds played the Checkmate Club, possibly 1966 or 67. I don’t remember any of the other Checkmates band members except Galen Ray, who was the guitar player. Ray Ruff moved to L.A., and became a record producer and song plugger there.
Sonny Charles & The Checkmates Ltd. were actually the “Checkmates” referenced above that got a top 20 hit. Several other “Checkmates” also come up here: http://comps.ugly-things.com/compsproject/bandname.php?selectSearch=bandName&txtBand=checkmates&radioMatch=on&txtfilter=&txtbandid=&txtspeed=&txtsource=filter&txtmatch=False
My dad, Larry Marcum, did a single with them, he wrote called “Beatle Maniacs”. It was as I understand their only top 200 single in America. In Germany they were even more popular and Beatle Maniacs is about the only song you will probably find on the internet.
Dennis, here a huge fan of your father from Spain.
Fortunately, your dad played more than a single with the Checkmates, (at least 5), and also was a touring Checkmate. He also wrote the clever novelty song “Beatle Maniacs”. Every musician in Amarillo from this era remembers your dad as pure talent. He was much younger than the rest of the guys whom he was playing lead. He played for many of the Amarillo’s best performers.
Among many others, and apart from Ruff, your dad also played for Larry Trider, Jerry Sparks, Chuck Tharp, Charlie Phillips, Freddy Cannon, Bill “Smitty” Smith.. etc..etc..
Howdy Dennis,
John (JC) Eslinger, Tucson, AZ. Just found this great String. Some Trivia, I’m from Amarillo. Back in the day I ran with Your Dad and a guy named Jimmy Cassidy. We used to Jam together at various venues. Cassidy lives in Denver. We stay in touch and Your Dads name comes up in about every conversation. He was a great Guy & Musician! Do You know where I can acquire his music?
Wishing You The Best,
John Eslinger
Tucson
972.679.5557
Hey Dennis!
I knew your dad and played with him on numerous occasions. He was a great guy and a great guitar player. We worked together along with a black organist and singer named Bill Smith. It was called the “Smitty Trio” and I believe that Charles Johnson was our booking agent. We played Air Force bases and black night clubs. I also played drums with Larry as we backed Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon when he performed here during the 60’s. Ray Ruff booked him on that show. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me.
Bob Hacker
Hello to Dennis and Bob Hacker. I played with Bob and Larry Marcum with the Checkmates. I remember a tour to North Dakota with with Ray Ruff and Bob (Bobby) as I knew you. I think we traveled in a Nash Rambler. I always thought you were one great drummer. I can also remember going into the Norman Petty studio and Larry wanted to play bass, so we switched as I was the bass player. Keep in touch both of you.
Jerry Hodges
Was it a Nash Rambler Station Wagon.? At some point 1962-65 riding at night in Iowa w. parents, a station wagon or hearse emblazoned on the side with The Checkmates (or possibly the Chessmen) was driving very fast!
Anyone remember a drummer named Bobby Fore with Checkmates in the 60s ?
I don’t know that much about his youth even though he let me move in when he was around 40. He had a chance to open for Jan and Holly for Olivia Newton John in Australia when I was a teen but backed out at the last second. We were looking into passports when he decided to not follow through.
What do you want to know about the Checkmates? Sonny Charles may be in Las Vegas. I can find out. My aunt is his sister. He is still very much around.
The Checkmates lost one member.
I have recently found my birth father and in conversation, I have found out that he was a drummer for a group called The Checkmates. I also can’t find out any info on them. His name is Dick Malone, from the Georgia/Florida area. He said that the group played while he was in the airforce in the early 60’s, and also included a trip to Japan.
Hi Dennis,
I knew your dad in Jr. High School. He was a pretty good guitar player even back then. He was the one that got me started playing, I never was as good at it as he was. We were good friends. I joined the Navy in 1962 and that was the last time I seen him. I tried to look him up a couple of times and never could find him.
I knew a group, also called the Checkmates, that played while they were in the Air Force back in the early sixties. I met them while they were stationed at Toul Roseiers AB (TRAB) in France, while I was a student attending Verdun American High School. They played at the base teen club as well as the Golf Drought and Olyimpia Theater in Paris and at a little bar in Germany I believe called “Blue Villa” which was owned by a former GI. They even cut a demo record for DECCA Records in Paris. I cannot remember their last names but Woody was extermely intelligent, thin and played lead guitar, Chris was tall and blonde and the bass player and Smitty was a little chunky and played rythum guitar and Electric Piano. For the life me I cannot remember the name of the drummer but I believe his first name was Dick. The band won a “battle of the bands” contest at the Golf Drought night club in Paris. Smitty was also one hell of a singer and a very talented musician and I believe Woody played a gibson guitar that he had personally modifed. We had many great times together. As is usual for military people who rotate back to the states and get reassigned you lose touch but I always expected to hear about them, hoping they would stay together after their military committment was completed. Buy sadly, I never heard a thing.
Hi – my name is Lenna. I am 43 yrs old. When I was 19, my mother told me that my biological father was Larry Marcum. I had the privilege of meeting him soon after, and was excited about developing a relationship with him until his passing cut that short. I would love to know more about him, not only as a musician, but as a person. It was uncanny, how much we had in common and how quickly we connected with one another. Even though I did not know him for as many years as some did, I will treasure the times that we spent getting to know one another. I have several letters and photographs that he mailed to me, as we were getting to know each other over the few short years since I met him. Meeting him filled a huge void in my life, and I will forever treasure those moments together. Any info will be greatly appreciated
Hi Lenna if we are talking about Larry Marcum musician from Amarillo, I knew him back in 1977 ish to 1981 ish.I was married to a harmonica player who played with him then. He was the most talented guitar player I’ve ever known. I am so sorry for your loss.
Hey Lenna,
Thanks for the info on this. I didn’t know or don’t remember a lot of what I read here. It’s pretty cool to find out. I have a picture of my dad, your dad with Gramps and Grandma hanging on my wall and possibly some more pictures of your dad.I spent a good bit of time with your dad and have some good stories as well. I remember when your dad contacted you. He was excited and showed me a picture and I was like wow I already know her. I’ll see if I can get you some pictures.Take care!
Lenna,
I new your dad Larry very well in his early years. We formed our first group together in 1960 ( eighth grade) and I played with him and the Checkmates from 62 to 64. Would you happen to be the daughter of Mary Tow? I wish there was a way for you to contact me privately. I have many many stories. GOD bless you and GOD bless Larry where ever he is. He was one of the best rock guitarist of all time.
Dear Lenna,
Please contact me directly at jwdid47@yahoo.com. I have a lot to tell you about your dad.
We were very good friends from the age of 13.
Hi Garry,
I played with Larry from the time we were 13. If you have any photos i would love it if you wold send it to me at jwdid47@yahoo.com.
Thanks
Jack Williams
does anybody have a good e-mail address for Jack Williams? I’ve been trying to catch him for years..Thanks
Hey Bobby,
I saw your post about Larry Marcum and the Smitty Trio. My dad was Charlie Johnson. I remember Larry, Galen and Smitty from when I was little. My sister has a record that my dad sang lead on that was by Ray and Ravens; the songs were Willow Tree and Rita. Anything you can remember about Dad would be welcome.
Kimberly Johnson
Hi Kimberly,
Please if you read this, i’d love to talk with you. I’m a Checkmates all time hardcore fan.. Thanks a lot.
Manuel
I have a friend in Amarillo who still sings and records that knew Ray very well and also played and recorded with him, his name is Bobby Hughes. He just sent me a song written by Joe Hart called Gods Gift To Men and was recorded at Ray Ruffs studio. I’m sure someone out there remembers Bobby, he also had a nightclub in Amarillo called The Avalon a lot of famous and not so famous locals performed there. Bobby would love to hear from old friends, let me know if you have any memories to share.
PeeWee, A steel guitar played named Bobby Hughes of Amarillo once played on a song I wrote titled “A Sleepless Nite with you”. I think he also played regular guitar. This was in about 1973 and Billy Stull was the producer, I still have the recording. Could this be the same ‘Bobby Hughes’ you are speaking of. At the time of the recording, Hughes also had a popular night club band playing at some club in Amarillo. I think his band competed with Charley Phillips band, in their type of dance music. A young female singer Cherrell Dyson had sang my song that day, and it was played on Amarillo radio some. She was the daughter of famed Nashville bassist Bobby Dyson, I learned years later.
I went to school with Larry Marcum,in the early 60s at Caperock High School. We were in class together and PE Class. We drag polk street a few times, in his yellow 64 Chev Impala. He was a good friend of mine. For many years and even now, I still put flowers/US Flags on his grave in Memorial Park, many years before he had a grave marker. I will never forget him, he was a remarkable man and friend. He made me laught alot!
Ed “Elvis” Edwards
Retired USAF, First Sergeant
Vietnam Vet(Nha Trang) 1970, Air Force Cop/MP-K-9
Department Service Officer (DAV)
Amarillo VA Hospital
I am Chuck Tharp’s youngest daughter. My name is Sulin. Unfortunately, I lived almost all my life without my father. He moved to New Mexico and I lived in California but we would write to one another every now and then through out the years and talk on the phone from time to time. He once sent me a bus ticket to come see him when i was about 19 or 20 years old but I didn’t end up going at the last minute. I always told myself that it was okay because I was going to go up there to see him and get to know him eventually but unfortunately, I waited too long and I never made that trip because he passed away. I have a lot of information and pictures and records of him with his band, The Fireballs, thanks to George Tomsco, who I will forever be grateful to. But I don’t have anything with him and the Checkmates. If anyone has any pictures or songs or just want to tell me about their experiences with my father, I would really appreciate if you reached out to me on my email address. These kinds of things are really the only things I have to hang on to to remember my father. It would mean the world to me. No matter how big or small, I would LOVE to see, read or hear about ANYTHING that has to do with my dad. Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Sulin Quaresma-Tharp
Hi Sulin,
My name is Mike Wolf and I was a friend of your father Chuck. I met him when he lived in Santa Clara. I now live in Campbell, CA.
You were only about 2 or 3 when my wife and I would come over to your house. My wife said she thinks she still has some pictures of you and your dad.
Anyway, if you still live in Northern California and would like to meet and hear what your dad was like from 27 years ago, just send me an email. My address is: Mike.wolf [at] pb.com.
Thanks, Mike
Hi Sulin,
My name is Mike Wolf and I was a friend of your father Chuck. I met him when he lived in Santa Clara. I now live in Campbell, CA.
You were only about 2 or 3 when my wife and I would come over to your house. My wife said she thinks she still has some pictures of you and your dad.
Anyway, if you still live in Northern California and would like to meet and hear what your dad was like from 27 years ago, just send me an email. My address is: Mike.wolf@pb.com.
Thanks, Mike
I was the drummer for “Sweet Louie’s” Checkmates at Caesar’s Palace around the mid ninetys. Cedro’s Armada was the opening act. Anyone out there from this ensemble ?
Bobby Hacker passed on June 21st 2017. He was my dad and I was his little girl. He meant the world to me and always will. He brought the joy of music to my world. I will forever be thankful for a dad like him and the loving influence he had on me as a parent a friend and a music lover.
Is every one dead in the checkmates despite my grandfather
In speaking of the original Checkmates I think you have misspelled Galen Ray’s last name, it should be Engelbrecht.
Thanks for updating!!!
My grandfather is galen and he says hello to all the people in the checkmates
My friend, Joyce Arnold Miller, gave birth to a girl in 1955 but it wasn’t her husband Joe’s biological child. She has a picture of Ray holding her when she was a baby in Lubbock. We think her father was Ray Ruffin. She had light auburn hair and blue eyes. Did Ray Ruffin have reddish hair and blue eyes. Joyce Miller sang backup back then. She was born in 1937 but has passed on and my friend, Pati Miller has found out from the family that a singer named Ray is her father. Joyce was a songwriter and backup singer and wore thick glasses, bubbly personality and about 5’2″, blonde hair. Ran around with Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Buck Owen’s. Can anyone tell me about Ray’s appearance. Pati has that slightly cleft chin. She needs closure. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks, Ruby Pender
Does anyone remember that Ray Ruff and the Checkmates showed up in Creighton, Nebraska on Thanksgiving night, 1964, only to find out they were supposed to be playing at Creighton University in Omaha? They opened up city hall, took tickets, and had a huge crowd because KOMA had been advertising for weeks that the Checkmates were coming to Creighton, Nebraska.