The Checkmates came from Delhi Hills, in Hamilton County west of Cincinnati. Members were all students at either the University of Cincinnati or Xavier:
Chuck Koth (Chuck Coth) – lead guitar
Rick Schnell – rhythm guitar
Bruce Axmacher – organ
Bruce Willett – bass
Phil Wing – drums
The Checkmates cut one single on Injoy Life Records in August, 1967, featuring two songs by singer and song writer Kenny Smith, “Get It While You Can” / “Take Away”. It’s now a rare and sought-after 45. “Get It While You Can” is very memorable and has become well-known since it was compiled on Teenage Shutdown vol. 7.
The Checkmates’ record seems to have come in the middle of the band’s existence. The first mention of the band I can find comes from a short notice on October 1, 1966 of a show with the Randolls at the Mod Room at 3126 Dixie Highway in Erlanger, Kentucky, hosted by “Big” Jim Schworer, DJ with WKKY-FM.
The article says that Schworer and co-owner Seibert Mohr were looking for a larger venue, and that the club was running Sunday afternoon Battles of the Bands, since football games made for too much competition with Friday and Saturday evening shows. Admission was 75¢.
This feature is the last mention of the Mod Room that I can find, perhaps it closed by the New Year. The Enquirer ran ads for Mod Room shows in October and November 1966:
October 2: The Checkmates and the Randolls (Randells?)
October 30: The Nomads, the Unknowns and the Day Blues
November 6: The Dee Blues (winners on Oct 30) and the Checkmates
November 13: The De Blus and the Checkmates
November 20: The Nomads, the Roots of Evil, the Mark IV, the De Blus, the Timid Souls, the Coachmen, and the Cykiks
November 27: The Cykiks, Why-Do’s and the Roots of Evil
Jim Schworer went into acting and other pursuits, and died on July 7, 1988 at age 44.
I haven’t found any other notices about the Checkmates after the January 1968 profile at the top.
The band listed as the Randolls may have been the Randells who had two singles on the Claudette label out of Dayton, KY, “Viet Nam ’66′” / “Traces Of Tears In Your Eyes” (as Gene Hatton and the Randells) and “Dummy” / “Mister Pleasure”, all four songs by Jim Fish.
I spent many an hour listening to the Checkmates practice In Bruce’s Basement. I started playing in ’66 and received guitar lessons from Chuck. That band had a large influence on many of the younger players . I still have their 45 in my collection.
Our son, Daniel, found this website and the songs on Youtube. Bruce said it brought back many good memories, but your last name escapes him! Thanks for your comment, Roger!
Nancy Axmacher
Jim Schworer was my dad! I was happy to stumble across this article. He became involved in radio, television, and film when he was a teenager. He lived a thousand lives in his short 44 years and I miss him every day! Thanks for writing this!
Jamie Denise Schworer