Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

The Gems

Live Dates

No events scheduled.

Upcoming Releases

No upcoming releases.
The Gems' career began for Leonard and Phil Chess' Chess/Checker/Cadet setup as the Lovettes (no connection to the Lovettes on Carnival Records). Marshall High School students Jessica Collins (lead), Verdine Harrison, Theresa Washburn, Dorothy Hucklebee, and Bertha Watts cut two unsuccessful singles on Checker Records: "One More Year" b/w "The Crush" (1962) and "Hands Off" b/w "A Love of Mine." Blind pianist/writer Raynard Miner was the secret Gem, and he and Billy "Roquel" Davis, either together or in other combinations, supplied nearly all their material. Roquel was Chess' A&R director, but despite his clout, the Gems never charted high or established a significant career. Miner accompanied them on piano, but not at all of their performances. These five beautiful girls couldn't help but wow the audience with their singing and looks; their most successful record was "I Can't Help Myself." Roquel renamed the Lovettes the Gems and switched them to Chess Records. "One More Time," previously released on Checker, became the B-side of "Let Your Hair Down" in 1963. "It's a Girl's Impression" surfaced the same year, but neither single did much. Minnie Ripperton replaced Vandine Harris on the next released single, "That's What They Put Erasers on Pencils For." The teenage ditty did nothing except generate some local gigs. "I Can't Help Myself" b/w "Can't You Take a Hint" (1964) got played outside of greater Chicago, and put them on the road doing promotional tours and concerts. "I Can't Help Myself" is a cool floater with modulating rhythms; Miner is astounding on piano. "Can't You Take a Hint" is a fast number with Ripperton's five-octave range ringing out. Chess followed with "Love for Christmas" in November 1964, just in time for holiday buyers. When two final singles, "He...

Connect with

More Features

All features

All of Billboard.com's Great Lists

Billboard chart app

Billboard archives

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.