Didn't know about this song until a few years ago. Every time l play it i get goose bumps. In the 60's my sister living in Athens GA. Had a maid two different times. Me, in my teens would either pick them up or take them home. I, my sister & her husband very much respected them & loved them. And they were paid well. So you bring back such good memories. I was drafted & sent to Vietnam and have been battling ptsd for over 10 years now. Sonny, that song is always in my heart. I lost my sister & just last week lost my brotherinlaw to covid. Shine on, you have fans in Alabama. Moved here in 72.
I'm 40 years old and I just heard this song for the first time on the radio tonight. Amazingly a song from 1969 is the best song I've heard all year...what an absolutely majestic record. I think somebody else wrote that they could listen to this over and over again - I'm doing that right now. Thank you Barry Scott and the Lost 45's on Oldies 103.3 in Boston!
Black Pearl brings back so many memories. I had the pleasure of working with Sweet Lou and Sonny Charles back in 1972 at the Music Center, downtown Los Angeles Calif, with my group The Soul Sonics at that time. I will never forget it. Sweet Lou we will always love you. Rest in peace.
I think this is one of the great performances in rock music history. I loved it the day I first heard it, and stop what I am doing to listen to it, to this day. Think of the fathers, husbands, and boyfriends who must swell with pride everytime they hear this anthem ... it is truly GREAT.
This song struck a chord in me. In 1969 I was medically evacuated to Philly Naval Hospital. Later during my recovery I was allowed to go outside on the weekends. I went downtown and went to the Trock Theater where they had stage dancers. I saw most beautiful black woman in my life there. Later we talked and became friends. I had just reenlisted for 6 years before going to war so when she asked me to travel with her I couldn't. After all of these years when I hear this song I go back to 1969 ❤ I just love the lyrics to this song too. It's so true! Thanks y'all.
The Checkmates put on one of the greatest live shows ever seen in the lounges of Las Vegas. Their music rocked the place and their humor was off the wall. I saw them a couple of times on TV but the power and force of their performances just did not translate to a 2-3 minute TV slot. The live show would build & build until the audience would practically riot when the guys tried to end it. I hope someone, somewhere captured some performances on film or tape.
my name is Don Darnell and i do an elvis show. i am 59 years old and Love this song so very much .I remember as a boy in phoenix listening to my transistor radio and hearing this and will allways love it! Thank You Checkmates for this wonderful hit .This music means so very much to me and am grateful to hear a stereo version of it! Stay Happy and healthy everyone! 50s 60s and 70s and 80s!
This is a beautiful song. Reminds me of the women in life from childhood until now. I'd like to add their pictures to this song to show their beauty, strength, endurance, and pride. This goes to all of the black women who was a positive force in throughout my life.
God Bless You... Sweet Louie!!!! I was on the road with the Checkmates in 1995-96.... Great guy... crazy,.. and incredible cool musician... Thank you. Gabriel Rosati
Thank you for this great song. I remember riding down the road with my parents and sister in daddy's green 57 chevy. This song was a hit and the radio station (few we had) played this all the time. I swore they were talking about me. I was 10 that year and always sang it "black girl, pretty little girl." No matter, I'm glad I grew up in those days. What a special time.
I was a teenager when this song came out and I absolutely loved it! I was blown away when I heard it again last year and triggered old memories from long ago. Beautiful song!! Thanks for uploading the video!
Every time I hear this song, and since the first time I heard it,I think of when (for the beauty contests finally getting it right) we finally had a miss America/USA in Vanessa L. Williams who was black. It was so about time. So when you hear this song also think what was going on when she did it!!! thank god
This is a timeless classic that remains me of my Gypsy Girl, a beautiful black lab/pit bull young female (about a year old) stray that I found this past February and through the grace of God was able to save her from being put to sleep and place with a nokill rescue groups that keeps these beautiful creatures in foster homes untl they are adopted out to deserving families. Gypsy Girl you are my Black Pearl forever and forever
I first heard Black Pearl on the radio in Charleston, S.C., while serving in the U.S. Navy at the Charleston Naval base, in 1969. I liked the song very much and bought a 45 copy of it, which I still have today in mint condition.
Great song. Black Pearl and the Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache were two of the first 45 records I bought with my own money (wow, 40 years ago). This was another song that my father got tired of hearing day and night: "Why do you want to listen to that 'colored music'?
Thank you so much for this video, and song. My dad played this for me when I was about 7 years old and I never heard it again. Thought about it through the years and never knew song it. I am know 48 years old and still love it. Thank you
RIP SWEET LOUIE. This song is great, I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. I downloaded it and I listened to it all the time. I work out to it. Happy New Year everyone :)
I sang with Sonny and Louie back in 89, at the "Mint" in Vegas. My name is Julie, I did a few weeks of back up vocals, such a good memory! Hope all is well with them!!! XOX Julie
Wonderful Memories watching these two greats at the Las Vegas Hilton and Dunes in 1989-1993. I was a Regional Mgr. for Best Foods Corp and would make a 4 week run on cycle to visit Distributors of our food products but, after 6 pm that was 'my time'. That was spent at the Hilton listening and watching this great act. I got to know them well. I'd like to say we all became friends but, they were professionals and there to sing and entertain Las Vegas Gusts and Fans not make friends with food reps. lol I had a wonderful time getting to know them though and they were kind. Dancing until 1 am with many of the regular girls who loved their act. I met their friends though and would go around town to other shows as well with them. As grandma once said, Want to know a person. Get to know their friends'. That showed me their true nature and kind soul. That was amazing. Wonderful people. I felt so close to them when this old US Army Veteran, Sergeant heard that Sweet Louie died on a Cruise ship where they were working a few years back …. I did cry. I knew them as kind, professional, giving souls. Their friends gave me a great deal in turn and I shall cherish those memories for the days I have left. Battling cancer ain't fun and it does bring us 'full circle' and I find myself thinking of the amazing people I met along the way. Thank you Sweet Louie and Sonny Charles. Las Vegas 80's and 90's. Our time! You were amazing.
Wow! Thank you so much to whoever started this tribute. I dd not get a chance to see Sweet Louie in the past few years, but i can and will never forget his energy and humor on and off the stage. He will be greatly missed by many, he touched so many people during his time in the lounge shows in Vegas.I love you Louie and will miss you. The Bonzilian. Be Stong Sunny, I know you will miss him the most. God bless you
Wow! memories flood back with this one. I was working in Nelson N.Z. in 1969 and this was on the jukebox in the pub my friends and I frequented. I remember playing this over and over. I still love it.
I spent hours standing in line outside of Nero's Nook in Caesars Palace waiting to get in to hear the Checkmates LTD back in 1966-68. I used to have the album that was recorded live there. They would rock the house until the sun came up and the audience always had celebrities in it after they had done their own shows up and down the strip.
Oh, heck no! To the webpage only--not to the song! LOVE this song! When I tried to save it to Favorites, I accidentally hit "dislike"---and can't find a way to remove that ERRONEOUS rating. LOVE, love, love this jam, and the bring-back memories. Thanks for uploading this. And know that pro'ly at least a coupla "dislikes" were accidental clicks!
I love how you tube makes the world small as an old fat guy from Liverpool I have loved this record for ever and now I know people who I dont know or never will shared an experience with me.
Wow, the memories. The Checkmates. My buddies in Las Vegas at The DUNES and Las Vegas Hilton in 1983-1989. I was a Regional Manager for Best Foods Corp. 9 Western States and Vegas was #1 area....all the way to Laughlin. Just forget Laughlin in the summer months. 120 degrees and you cannot catch a breath. RUNNING from the car to casino souls of your shoes melting!!! lol True though.....I heard Sweet Louie my true buddy died of a HEART ATTACK? on a Cruise Ship where he was working? How sad....I guess it is better than Vegas. Out at sea on the calm waters! In fact, Neptune Society is burying me in Santa MOnica offshore 26 miles, by law I guess? I wish it was under the PIER where I surfed as a child and teen 1960's. Anyway,n THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO. THE MEMORIES OF MY LIFE and that of The Checkmates. RIP Louie
Saw Sonny Charles last week at Piero's in Las Vegas, he did Black Pearl, I cried for the whole song and chatted with Sonny afterwards and we both cried, G
man o man outside the cavelcade skooter ride in coney island used to be an old black dj from the 40s turned us on to this one he played the crowd so very well from the morning to late night if it moved you hed know it and it got louder kool sam thank you for this one too rip jackie hollywood
i have been looking for this song for many years,i just wanted to hear it one more time. you don't know how thankful i am for you for putting it on here, you have made more than my day. you have my life worth going through what i have to go through, thank you!
When I hear this beautiful song, it reminds me of a very good time in my life, just coming into womanhood, so sad that music has evolved from this to black women being degraded as B*****S and H*, I'm glad I can remember when......
Yep. Wall of Sound/Phil Spector produced the song. According to Joel Whitburn's Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, it made it to #13 in May 1969 and was in the Top 40 for 10 weeks! This is such a cool song and the sound is awesome.
Didn't know about this song until a few years ago. Every time l play it i get goose bumps. In the 60's my sister living in Athens GA. Had a maid two different times. Me, in my teens would either pick them up or take them home. I, my sister & her husband very much respected them & loved them. And they were paid well. So you bring back such good memories. I was drafted & sent to Vietnam and have been battling ptsd for over 10 years now. Sonny, that song is always in my heart. I lost my sister & just last week lost my brotherinlaw to covid. Shine on, you have fans in Alabama. Moved here in 72.
I'm 40 years old and I just heard this song for the first time on the radio tonight. Amazingly a song from 1969 is the best song I've heard all year...what an absolutely majestic record. I think somebody else wrote that they could listen to this over and over again - I'm doing that right now. Thank you Barry Scott and the Lost 45's on Oldies 103.3 in Boston!
Black Pearl brings back so many memories. I had the pleasure of working with Sweet Lou and Sonny Charles back in 1972 at the Music Center, downtown Los Angeles Calif, with my group The Soul Sonics at that time. I will never forget it. Sweet Lou we will always love you. Rest in peace.
I think this is one of the great performances in rock music history. I loved it the day I first heard it, and stop what I am doing to listen to it, to this day. Think of the fathers, husbands, and boyfriends who must swell with pride everytime they hear this anthem ... it is truly GREAT.
Oh you hit the nail on the head. In 1969, I came back from Vietnam when I first heard this song. It moves me every time.
I have been searching for this song forever.............how fantastic......it was 1968 and I came to Australia, bright eyed and bushy tailed........
This song struck a chord in me. In 1969 I was medically evacuated to Philly Naval Hospital. Later during my recovery I was allowed to go outside on the weekends. I went downtown and went to the Trock Theater where they had stage dancers. I saw most beautiful black woman in my life there. Later we talked and became friends. I had just reenlisted for 6 years before going to war so when she asked me to travel with her I couldn't. After all of these years when I hear this song I go back to 1969 ❤ I just love the lyrics to this song too. It's so true! Thanks y'all.
The Checkmates put on one of the greatest live shows ever seen in the lounges of Las Vegas. Their music rocked the place and their humor was off the wall. I saw them a couple of times on TV but the power and force of their performances just did not translate to a 2-3 minute TV slot. The live show would build & build until the audience would practically riot when the guys tried to end it. I hope someone, somewhere captured some performances on film or tape.
my name is Don Darnell and i do an elvis show. i am 59 years old and Love this song so very much .I remember as a boy in phoenix listening to my transistor radio and hearing this and will allways love it! Thank You Checkmates for this wonderful hit .This music means so very much to me and am grateful to hear a stereo version of it! Stay Happy and healthy everyone! 50s 60s and 70s and 80s!
This is a beautiful song. Reminds me of the women in life from childhood until now. I'd like to add their pictures to this song to show their beauty, strength, endurance, and pride. This goes to all of the black women who was a positive force in throughout my life.
I remember this great song back in 1969.....I was 15 and the best year for songs.
I was 19 years
I, too am a child of the 60's and 70's and this song has always moved me. I'm so glad that i was able to find it on youtube....
Just want you all to know this song is carried on for generations to come. My mama & papa showed me and I plan on showing my kids.
I get goosebumps when I hear this song....thanks for sharing!!
As a Motown fanatic for my entire life, never heard of this group. Great sound, great harmonies!
I forgot all about this song, reason was it wasnt on the radio. One time I heard it, and remembered it. One of the greatest songs I've ever heard.
Such a great song, bring back great memories of my youth in Jamaica.
God Bless You... Sweet Louie!!!!
I was on the road with the Checkmates in 1995-96.... Great guy... crazy,.. and incredible cool musician...
Thank you. Gabriel Rosati
Thank you for this great song. I remember riding down the road with my parents and sister in daddy's green 57 chevy. This song was a hit and the radio station (few we had) played this all the time. I swore they were talking about me. I was 10 that year and always sang it "black girl, pretty little girl." No matter, I'm glad I grew up in those days. What a special time.
RIP Sweet Louie. Love these pics of him. Sonny Charles and Sweet Louie had one of the best lounge shows in Vegas. I would see them everyweek.
God! I will always love this song! That's me with my deceased buds The Hager Twins.....God Bless the Checkmates!
Loved the Hager twins!
@@tinydancer62 Atta Girl!
I was a teenager when this song came out and I absolutely loved it! I was blown away when I heard it again last year and triggered old memories from long ago. Beautiful song!! Thanks for uploading the video!
Every time I hear this song, and since the first time I heard it,I think of when (for the beauty contests finally getting it right) we finally had a miss America/USA in Vanessa L. Williams who was black. It was so about time. So when you hear this song also think what was going on when she did it!!! thank god
Oldie but goodie... Loved this song in the late 60's!
Yes, I loved this too. Great R&B classic of the late '60s. GOOD MUSIC!
This is a timeless classic that remains me of my Gypsy Girl, a beautiful black lab/pit bull young female (about a year old) stray that I found this past February and through the grace of God was able to save her from being put to sleep and place with a nokill rescue groups that keeps these beautiful creatures in foster homes untl they are adopted out to deserving families. Gypsy Girl you are my Black Pearl forever and forever
I was in jump school when i first heard this song in august 1969,wow it brings back lots of memories,love it !
the best duo of all time.we will miss you louie
Beautiful song, thank you so much..😊😊😊
Sonny and the CHECKMATES, omg, my wife and I used to see them LIVE at Harveys Casino in the bar lounge in Lake Tahoe...Fantastic entertainment.
Checkmates were just rated top 20 Las Vegas performers all time, God Bless The Black Pearl, and Sonny & Louie,
First time I heard this was on Radio KOMA in Okla. City in 1992. Fell in LOVE with it and can say it is my All TIME FAVORITE!
Mine too, Jim. Still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
Beautiful song (still) and wonderful photo presentation. Thank you Ralph Brigman.
Tears Flow what a great song with sweet Louie and Sonny, a legendary son forever.
thanks for posting. I love this song. They don't sing songs like they used to.
I have been searching for this song forever.............
My God! Please take me back to the time when this beautiful music was on the radio! Don Darnell elvis!
One of my favorite songs since I was in high school 😊
Absolutely beautiful portraying a message love this song
I first heard Black Pearl on the radio in Charleston, S.C., while serving in the U.S. Navy at the Charleston Naval base, in 1969. I liked the song very much and bought a 45 copy of it, which I still have today in mint condition.
This song came out when I was little girl...and I loved it then. I'm glad that I finally get a chance to see the singers.
Great song. Black Pearl and the Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache were two of the first 45 records I bought with my own money (wow, 40 years ago).
This was another song that my father got tired of hearing day and night: "Why do you want to listen to that 'colored music'?
God what a song- thanks Sonny and P Spectre = great arrangement!!
Awesome song, brings back sweet childhood memories.
Thank you so much for this video, and song. My dad played this for me when I was about 7 years old and I never heard it again. Thought about it through the years and never knew song it. I am know 48 years old and still love it. Thank you
one of the finest songs ive ever heard i could listen to it all day every day
crossin SC. a few years ago this came on I teared for a few miles. had not heard, for a while, great song, listen, Gary
What a great song ! 1969 had more awesome music in it then the last 20 years.
Love love love this song ! Pam Callahan Akron Ohio
Beautiful vocals by Sonny Charles featuring one of record producer Phil Spectors last great productions..Wonderful soul from the late sixties..
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These brothers could sign an understand every word in the song love soul music
I heard this on AM radio back when it came out. I found it again here, haven't heard it since. I can't believe how great this song is!!!
haven,t heard this for nearly 30 years,used to have a version on vinyl by horace and faith something cant remember. great to hear it again.well done.
RIP SWEET LOUIE. This song is great, I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. I downloaded it and I listened to it all the time. I work out to it. Happy New Year everyone :)
RIP Sweet Louie
It was a pleasure to know him. Will never forget what a great entertainer he was.
Rhonda aka Rockin Rhonda
I sang with Sonny and Louie back in 89, at the "Mint" in Vegas. My name is Julie, I did a few weeks of back up vocals, such a good memory! Hope all is well with them!!! XOX Julie
Wonderful Memories watching these two greats at the Las Vegas Hilton and Dunes in 1989-1993. I was a Regional Mgr. for Best Foods Corp and would make a 4 week run on cycle to visit Distributors of our food products but, after 6 pm that was 'my time'. That was spent at the Hilton listening and watching this great act. I got to know them well. I'd like to say we all became friends but, they were professionals and there to sing and entertain Las Vegas Gusts and Fans not make friends with food reps. lol I had a wonderful time getting to know them though and they were kind. Dancing until 1 am with many of the regular girls who loved their act. I met their friends though and would go around town to other shows as well with them. As grandma once said, Want to know a person. Get to know their friends'. That showed me their true nature and kind soul. That was amazing. Wonderful people. I felt so close to them when this old US Army Veteran, Sergeant heard that Sweet Louie died on a Cruise ship where they were working a few years back …. I did cry. I knew them as kind, professional, giving souls. Their friends gave me a great deal in turn and I shall cherish those memories for the days I have left. Battling cancer ain't fun and it does bring us 'full circle' and I find myself thinking of the amazing people I met along the way. Thank you Sweet Louie and Sonny Charles. Las Vegas 80's and 90's. Our time! You were amazing.
Wow! Thank you so much to whoever started this tribute. I dd not get a chance to see Sweet Louie in the past few years, but i can and will never forget his energy and humor on and off the stage. He will be greatly missed by many, he touched so many people during his time in the lounge shows in Vegas.I love you Louie and will miss you. The Bonzilian. Be Stong Sunny, I know you will miss him the most. God bless you
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Rest In Paradise Too Sweetie I Remember You Play The Piano For Me Love You Forever .
I love this song too.
Wow! memories flood back with this one. I was working in Nelson N.Z. in 1969 and this was on the jukebox in the pub my friends and I frequented. I remember playing this over and over.
I still love it.
I spent hours standing in line outside of Nero's Nook in Caesars Palace waiting to get in to hear the Checkmates LTD back in 1966-68. I used to have the album that was recorded live there. They would rock the house until the sun came up and the audience always had celebrities in it after they had done their own shows up and down the strip.
Oh, heck no! To the webpage only--not to the song! LOVE this song! When I tried to save it to Favorites, I accidentally hit "dislike"---and can't find a way to remove that ERRONEOUS rating. LOVE, love, love this jam, and the bring-back memories. Thanks for uploading this. And know that pro'ly at least a coupla "dislikes" were accidental clicks!
RIP Sweet Louie. Love the pics, brings back good memories of their lounge shows. They were the best in Vegas.
I love this song!
I love how you tube makes the world small as an old fat guy from Liverpool I have loved this record for ever and now I know people who I dont know or never will shared an experience with me.
Wow, the memories. The Checkmates. My buddies in Las Vegas at The DUNES and Las Vegas Hilton in 1983-1989. I was a Regional Manager for Best Foods Corp. 9 Western States and Vegas was #1 area....all the way to Laughlin. Just forget Laughlin in the summer months. 120 degrees and you cannot catch a breath. RUNNING from the car to casino souls of your shoes melting!!! lol True though.....I heard Sweet Louie my true buddy died of a HEART ATTACK? on a Cruise Ship where he was working? How sad....I guess it is better than Vegas. Out at sea on the calm waters! In fact, Neptune Society is burying me in Santa MOnica offshore 26 miles, by law I guess? I wish it was under the PIER where I surfed as a child and teen 1960's. Anyway,n THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO. THE MEMORIES OF MY LIFE and that of The Checkmates. RIP Louie
Saw Sonny Charles last week at Piero's in Las Vegas, he did Black Pearl, I cried for the whole song and chatted with Sonny afterwards and we both cried, G
A beautiful song...and a lovely tribute. these words are compelling and the music is heartrending! TALENT!
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE
Sweet song...awesome tribute!
man o man outside the cavelcade skooter ride in coney island used to be an old black dj from the 40s turned us on to this one he played the crowd so very well from the morning to late night if it moved you hed know it and it got louder kool sam thank you for this one too rip jackie hollywood
Love this tune!
Beautiful...thank you!
It's 1971 and we are down at the local youth club in a very tough part of London!! Those were the (musical) days!!
i have been looking for this song for many years,i just wanted to hear it one more time. you don't know how thankful i am for you for putting it on here, you have made more than my day. you have my life worth going through what i have to go through, thank you!
Sweet Tenor, love this song thanks for sharing this with us!!!
incredible song thanks
What a CLASSIC-great production;thanks for the post.
Magnificent song, and fine voices. The arrangement is the best.
Thanks so very much.
this, is still is the best !
they were the best i never forgot him
OOOOOOOOOOOh how I love this song. Cannot find it anywhere. Thank you for posting. This is such a beautiful heartfelt song. xoxox
Always loved this song!
In Vietnam when I heard it on armed for es radio, what a beautiful song
I just love this old song it brings back memories, When I travel to toomsboro Georgia.
The best Ever!
Truly inspirational, heaven sent, this tune has been in the background much too long.
las vegas loves the checkmates!
Awesome song!
best record ever made!
I love this song. I have emailed the oldies stations that I listen to and ask them to play this song but none never do.
my original 45 rpm of this still sounds great...love this song
Wow. This is such a great song. I remember my dad playing this when we were young
I greatly admire what you've done. God Bless you and Gypsy Girl.
alleymatt.... great to see a barry scott reference. this is a classic song i never thought barry would see..but i'm glad you reported that he did
For some reason I thought of this song today, probably because I'm looking for my "Black Pearl" to share this beautiful song with.
Excellent production!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!
When I hear this beautiful song, it reminds me of a very good time in my life, just coming into womanhood, so sad that music has evolved from this to black women being degraded as B*****S and H*, I'm glad I can remember when......
It's nice to hear this again....wow!!
Yep. Wall of Sound/Phil Spector produced the song. According to Joel Whitburn's Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, it made it to #13 in May 1969 and was in the Top 40 for 10 weeks! This is such a cool song and the sound is awesome.