Chuck Overton’s remarkable 50-year career in the music and recording industry showcases his deep-rooted passion and talent, beginning at the age of five in Mexico, Missouri, in 1948. His early musical journey included studying the saxophone under the guidance of John Larry Johnson, a former saxophonist with the Lawrence band, in Vandalia, Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Levine from New York provided saxophone lessons at Overton’s home, further honing his skills.
By the age of 12, Overton was already performing with concert and jazz bands, recording an album, and playing with local bands. However, tragedy struck when his mother passed away, prompting a move to St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived with his aunt and attended Charles Sumner High School, continuing his musical endeavors within the local bands. A year later, he relocated to Rock Island, Illinois, to live with his father and completed his high school education at Rock Island Senior High School.
After high school, Overton attended Blackhawk Junior College before being inducted into the United States Army at Fort Carson, Colorado. During his service, he played and sang with the Johnny Johnson dance band at the NCO and Officer Club in Colorado Springs. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Rock Island, Illinois, and performed in nightclubs with various bands from Chicago, including Major Lance, the late Joe Hinton, Little John Taylor, Wylie Dixon and the Wheels, and Marvin Simms.
Barry Gordy, owner and CEO of Motown. Barry appointed Smokey Robinson as vice president. Smokey is known for his talents as a writer, singer, and producer. In 1970, Overton made a significant career milestone by recording at the renowned Chess Recording Studio in Chicago, Illinois. Although he auditioned at Motown, Overton ultimately signed with Choker Campbell’s newly established recording company, Tri-City Records in Saginaw, Michigan. He served as vice president of Tri-City Records. His release, “I’m So Thankful,” remains a cherished track, still played in England and Scotland to this day.
Overton’s career was further influenced by Walter “Choker” Campbell, a prominent Motown band leader, whose direction was pivotal during the recording of Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips.” Overton eventually moved to Detroit, where he, along with Larry Sam, Renell Gonsalves, Robert Jones, Treaty Womack, and Belita Woods formed the Detroit R&B and soul band Brainstorm, which achieved international success with hits like “Love Is Really My Game,” “Wake Up and Be Somebody,” and “This Must Be Heaven.” These songs, particularly the saxophone solos played by Chuck Overton, continue to be celebrated worldwide.
Overton’s illustrious career includes toured with Smokey Robinson at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and performing alongside legends like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, the Ohio Players, Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and many others. He also performed with Quincy Jones’ group The Brothers Johnson and also toured with artists like Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack.
Overton has contributed to the music industry in various roles, including writing horn arrangements for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, and performing with The Spinners and The Dramatics. Despite a career spanning decades and crossing genres, he remains dedicated to his craft, recording his fifth studio album, Chuck Overton and Friends: Another Brainstorm – The Sounds of My Life, set for release soon, he has already written his next album.
Overton’s legacy extends to his family, with four children: Chuck Overton, Tracy Overton (a talented flautist), Donnie Overton, and Courtney Overton. His enduring passion for music continues to inspire his work and those around him.