Career
He was the lead singer of Checkmates, Limited. in the 1960s and 1970s, and it is his vocals that are heard out front on their 1969 Philosophy Spector-produced hit, "Black Pearl." Charles launched a solo career in the early 1970s, and after a brief reunion with the Checkmates, again from the 1980s. Charles" 1982 album, The Sun Still Shines, recorded on Highrise Records, hit #136 on the Billboard album chart and #14 on the United States. Black Albums chart on the strength of the single "Put lieutenant in a Magazine." Written by Charles with producer Bobby Paris, the song went to #2 on the Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and reached #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1983. The follow-up single, "Always on My Mind," peaked at #53, but Charles quickly fell from view.
In 2008, Sonny Charles joined the Steve Miller Band and toured with them.