Emile Ford & The Checkmates

EMILE FORD d2016. Popular group of the 1950-early 1960s best known for their first self-produced recording "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes at Me For" which went to No1 in the UK singles chart at the end of 1959 and stayed there for six weeks. Emile Ford became the first black British artist to sell one million copies of a single record. In January 1960, he signed a two-year employment management contract with Leslie Grade. He had several more hits in the UK and also scored a number one EP in 1960. The readers of the British music magazine New Musical Express voted Emile Ford and the Checkmates as the "Best New Act" of 1960. His career faded as a result of the emergence of the Merseybeat groups and he made his last studio recordings in 1963