Raymond Baradat born 1942 Tulare, California. Graduated Tulare Union High School 1960. Founding member of The Latin Knights/Charades in 1956 singing 2nd tenor and baritone. Continues with the group to the present. U.S. Army 1964-1966. Worked 34 years as Attendance Officer for the Tulare High School District. Married to Sandra Santiago Baradat in 1985. Music has been a life long pleasure performing, producing and engineering The Charades and other local San Joaquin groups. Musical influences Ray Charles, The Coasters, The Flamingos, The Drifters. |
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Syl Grigsby born 1942 Shreveport, Louisiana. Graduated Tulare Union High School in 1960. Joined The Latin Knights/Charades in 1957 singing falsetto lead, tenor and baritone. Syl continues to perform with The Charades at the present time. Worked for Coelho Meat packing plant for 40 years. Married to Betty Jean Crisp in 1965, Hobbies are music and watching basketball. Musical influences Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Little Willie John, The Flamingos. |
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Leon Baradat born 1940 Tulare, California. Graduated Tulare Union High School 1958. Leon was a founding member of The Latin Knights 1n 1956 singing 1st and 2nd tenor. Left group by 1959 to pursue education. U.S. Marine Corp. 1957-1958.Taught high school in Tulare and then college for 40 years at Mira Costa College in Oceanside California. Married to Elaine Cote in 1965. Leon has become an author and world traveler. He is now retired and spends his time playing golf, growing various orchids, traveling and visiting grandchildren. |
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Alex Pilkington born 1940 San Francisco, California. Graduated 1958 Tulare Union High School. Joined Latin Knights/Charades in 1957. Sang Bass/Baritone. U.S. Army 1959-1961. Married Barbara Brewer in Porterville California 1962. Worked as laboratory technician at Porterville State Hospital. Sang with the Charades until his death in 1968 from Hodgkin Disease. Musical influences Bobby “Blue” Bland, Sam Cooke, Little Willie John. |
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Johnny “Buddy” Johnson born1936 Yuma, Arizona. Graduated Tulare Union High School 1955. Joined Lain Knights/Charades 1962. Sang 1st Tenor/Lead. Married Ethel Booker 1960, Johnny was a barber and later insurance sales. Sang with The Charades until 1974 when illness prevented him from continuing . Johnny passed away in 1991. Musical influences: Johnny Ace, Al Green. |
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Wilbert Johnson born 8/ 6/1938 Yuma, Arizona. Moved to Tulare in 1943, went to Lincoln Elementary School and graduated Tulare Union High School 1956. Joined Latin Knights/Charades in 1957 sang 1st Tenor/Lead. Married Kathryn Bailey in 1961. Moved to Porterville, CA where he felt a strong desire to join the church and give his life to the Lord. Will left the group in 1962 and was replaced by his brother Johnny. Will now lives in Stockton where he is a minister. While with the group his musical influences were Johnny Ace, Sam Cooke, Jerry Butler. |
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Bob (Bobby ) Dennison, born 1946 in National City, California, Graduated Mt. Whitney High School 1963. Joined the Charades in 1969, and still works with band. Guitarist and Vocalist. Started R.J. & the Showmen in the mid 60’s, founding member of The Loose Gravel Blues Band. Married Sandra Solis1970. Musical influences..... Little Richard, Jimmy Reed and Steve Cropper(Booker T and the MGs) The Charades gave me opportunies to develop my"soul sense".... |
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Kirk Reese born October 17, 1961Visalia, California. Graduated from Mt. Whitney High School 1980. Attended College of the Sequoias and Pepperdine University. Married Terri Reese 1983. Instruments bass and guitar. Started the band Socrates in 1979 with Terri. First played with The Charades in 1991. Currently playing in the band King Daddy with Terri. Musical influences The Beatles, Stax Records, James Jamerson, sons Brendon and Cameron Reese |
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John Keith (January 15, 1950—July 30, 2009) was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Westchester High in 1968. During the 1960s, he performed and recorded with various bands, including The American Revolution. John relocated to Central California in the 1970s where he joined the soul band The Charades of Tulare and Loose Gravel Blues Band of Visalia. Over the years, he showcased his guitar, bass, trombone, and vocal talents in bands such as Six Above Zero, Stepsons of the Blues, the Mardi Gras band Fat Tuesday, the Beatles tribute band Revolver, and the country-blues band The Grits. He was also an accomplished songwriter and solo artist. John married Nona (Wallis) Hobbs in 2007. He passed away from cancer related respiratory failure in 2009. Musical influences: Robert Johnson, Keb’ Mo’, Traffic, The Band, The Beatles. |
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Frank Rodriguez has been drumming for more than 30 years, throughout elementary, high school, college, and still going strong. Frank comes from a very musical family with five talented brothers and his dad (Chito) that could sing and play the guitar like that was what he was born to do. Frank has been playing drums professionally since the seventh grade and says his brother John was his major influence for getting started. Frank says he is blessed to have lots of love and support from his wife Karie, which is his number one fan ,and his four kids. Frank’s love of music is evident through the eyes of his children. Frank Jr. is a drummer, Chris plays the trombone, Julia loves music and sings all around the house and Joshua is beginning to develop Daddy’s talent as well. Frank has played many styles of music including rock, top 40, latin rock, tex mex, blues, salsa, alternative, R&B and the list goes on. He has played with many groups in the central valley over the years and has performed up and down California and five surrounding states. Some of Frank’s favorite artists are Santana, Tower of Power, AWB, Dave Mathews Band, Tommy Castro, and Coco Montoya just to name a few. His favorite drummers are David Garibaldi, Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, and Dennis Chambers. Frank is anxious to get the word out about the true quality musicians and the music that this band performs. Frank is always ready to play with Charades. |
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Gary De Foe was born in 1951, in Tulare, California. Began taking piano lessons at age seven from his grandmother. A victim of Beatlemania in 1965, he played guitar in his first garage band all four years during high school. Gary was accompanying the Cherry Avenue Choir in 1978, when Ray came in to record them and has been playing keyboards with the Charades ever since. Met Luann Hickey at the Fresno State Music Department when both were students and in 1976, married her. A perfect pair: “She sings, I play the piano – what more could you want?” |
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Joe Luiz was born in Tulare, CA in 1955. At the age of 13 he picked up the drumsticks and has been drumming ever since. Joe graduated from Tulare Western High School in 1973. He and his band , Justus, joined The Charades while still in high school playing in clubs in the San Joaquin Valley. Joe pursued his music with his own band for a while and rejoined The Charades in 1976 just in time to record a album at Motown Records Studio with producer Art Stewart. Joe’s drumming was recognized by other Motown producers and played on albums by Jack Ashford and the 21 Creation.By 1980 Joe formed his own band Irony and continues his musical path singing, writing songs and of course playing drums. He has continued performing and recording with The Charades when called upon. Joe is married to Yvonne Plasencia Luiz and has raised a son who also has musical talent. Some of Joe’s musical influences are Neal Peart from the band Rush, Merel Bregante from Loggins and Messina and jazz great Buddy Rich. |
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Art Stewart Motown producer and engineer. Art worked with the crème of the Motown artists and producers. Stevie Wonder, Norman Whitfield, Smokey Robison, Hal Davis, Rick James, Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Commodores, The Jacksons, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Jr. Walker, The Originals, Bill Cosby, Ashford & Simpson, The Miracles, Jermaine Jackson, The Four Seasons. And many more. Art was Marvin Gaye’s personal engineer for over 10 years and produced the number one hit “Got To Give It Up” for Marvin in 1977. Co-Produced “Come Get It” and “Bustin’ Out” albums for and with Rick James and Co-Produced “Wild and Peaceful” album on Teena Marie with Rick James. Art became producer and friend of The Charades in 1975. He has been married to M.Dean McElhannon for 45 years and is now retired and living in Las Vegas where he enjoys his grand children and video production. |
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Manuel Cisneros was born in 1939 in Tulare, California. Attended Tulare Union High School until summer of 1957, graduating from Poly High School in Sun Valley, California in 1958. Founding member of the Latin Knights in 1956 singing baritone and bass. Sang with a band out of North Hollywood called The Flames from 1958 to early 1959. US Army 1959- 1962. Worked for Los Angeles County as an assistant chief, Park Police. Retired 1995 and returned to Tulare. Married Jane Halpin Cisneros in 1985. Enjoys riding his Harley and spending time with family. Also enjoys sharing old memories with Ray Baradat of the original Latin Knights. Musical influences include all of the old Rhythm & Blues groups of the 50s. |
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Vernon Vera During the mid 60’s I graduated from Porterville union High School and had already begun a long musical career in drumming. Playing in the high school band as a trombone player and later developing into a drummer. The Classix was the first group I played with and consisted of high school friends whose shared vision was to make great music. These young musicians were already into Freddy King blues, bossa nova, and of course, the Beatles. The Latin Knights, later to become the Charades, were perhaps the biggest influence on us at the time. My years, playing with the Charades, were mostly in the early to mid seventies. I did the drum tracks on Black Lolita, which was my first experience in a recording studio. I would say that the experience with the Charades provided me with much confidence that had positively affected other areas of my life. During the end of the seventies I continued my education and earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in law studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. I went on to play in the university jazz band and later opened shows for Average White Band and Fleetwood Mac. Looking back retrospectively, I was fortunate to be a part of a superb group of musicians, and all from the Central San Joaquin Valley. I was part of the Charade’s lineup that included Tommy Johnson who went on to form the Doobie Brothers. Also, early jams included Steve Perry, originally from Hanford. During later years and until recently, I played with the Shelly West Band, and later toured with Louisiana ‘Guitar’ Red, playing blues clubs and festivals. Currently, I am working with BlueJacket, a group of seasoned local musicians, who I assembled and who are now recording our first CD. |
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Kevin Chabiel has been playing saxophone for the past 30+ years and started playing the keyboards around the 80's, His greatest influences in life are his Mother who has a never ending love and joy shared with everyone she meets, and his Grandfather and Father who taught him everything he knows when it comes to playing the sax. Kevin started playing in the Charades in the 1980's and he is still an active member. When Ray Baradat needs a sax player, Kevin is honored to play the Charades. Kevin currently spends most of his time in his recording studio recording local talent. "GROOVE RECORDING." |
Luann Hickey grew up in Ukiah, Ca., where she started her vocal career at age 11. She moved to the Central Valley in 1970 to attend Fresno State University as a music major. She’ s been singing with the Charades (officially and unofficially) since the early 1980’s when the band found itself in need of a “chick singer.” Luann has sung and recorded with various other bands as well as performing in musical and dramatic theater. But she’s always happy to come back to the Charades—because it always feels a little like coming home. |
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Edward “Eddie” Cuellar was born in Brawly, California in 1944. He moved with his family to Visalia, California in the 50’s and graduated from Redwood High School. Eddie worked in the fields along side his father in his teen years but was also learning to play the guitar. Eddie joined The Charades in 1963 and elevated the professionalism of the band. Eddie recorded the much sought after 45 records “Christina” with the band in 1964. The song was written by Eddie for his wife Christina. Eddie joined The Rhythm Kings of Delano for a short time in the late 60’s but returned to The Charades playing guitar and bass until 1973. Eddie continued working in the fields while attending California State University, Fresno, where he earned a B.A. degree in political science in 1968, and a master’s degree in history in 1990. Eddie joined Cesar Chavez becoming a union organizer and led boycotts in New York City. He was a UFW delegate to the 1976 Democratic National Convention in New York. In 1978, Eddie began a career in state service, working with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. He was a regional director for the California Conservation Corps. Until retirement in 2006, he was worked with the voter registration and outreach program of the California Secretary of State’s office. He also taught history classes at College of the Sequoias in Visalia. Eddie passed away in 2008. |
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Ignacio “Iggy:” Perez began his music career at 7 yrs old playing Tex-Mex music on an old beat up accordion. Born in Texas, his family migrated to the cotton fields of Corcoran, California. He started playing drums in school in the third grade and at 12 years old he played drums for a Tex-Mex group. He became acquainted with Ray Baradat when he was in the eighth grade and was impressed with Rays early Elvis Presley impressions, Rays love of the music of that era was contagious and in 1959 he joined the “The Latin Knights” playing drums and later bass guitar. The group later changed their name to The Charades. Due to his work he moved a lot mostly in the Los Angeles area, so he stopped playing with the group in 1973. He has never stopped performing, however, and branched out into rock, blues, country, and eventually jazz. He has also continued to play bass guitar, which he started playing when the group needed a bass player. His influences have been Art Blakely, Harvey Mason and Louis Bellson. He can play various percussion instruments, even played tympani on one of the Charades early recordings. The Charades were a major influence in his musical life and he still gravitates towards rhythm and blues and funk whenever he can play with those types of groups. He works for the Art Institute College and lives in the Las Vegas area, not married, and savoring the musical array of what Las Vegas has to offer. |
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Henry Vasquez, an early member of The Latin Knights/Charades was a working musician years before he joined The Latin Knights/Charades. Henry played in the Tulare High School Band and was a founding member of The Rhythm Aces of Tulare. The Rhythm Aces played Rhythm & Blues and Mexican music throughout the San Joaquin valley. He played several musical instruments including Sax, Trombone and Bass Guitar. Henry joined The Latin Knights/Charades in 1962 and remained until 1965 performing and recording with the group during those years. Henry continued playing music and recording with various Mexican bands based in and around Tulare, CA. for many years. Henry lives in Tulare with his wife Mary. |
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Tom Johnston was born in Visalia California on August 15, 1948. Tom’s favorite music as he grew up included Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Elvis, James Brown and lots of rhythm and blues on the radio. At the age of 12 Tom took up the guitar, and had his first band at age 14. In his early career he played with a variety of band including The Implicits where he recorded his first 45 record. Tom joined The Charades in 1966 playing guitar and singing with the group for almost two years. Tom moved to San Jose to finish college and started playing in bands around San Jose. He went on to become a founding member of The Doobie Brothers, a famous rock band that he still plays with for almost 40 years. |
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Landes Dung: Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Lead and Back-up Vocals First and foremost I give thanks and glory to God for all of his blessings and gifts. Although I am a native Hawai’ian, I was born 1961 in Stuttgart, Germany. I started playing Drums at the age of 4 and Ukulele by age 5. I learned Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Sousaphone and Guitar by age 11. I was first chair Drummer for High School and played Guitar for my first professional gig at age 12. I have since picked up a little keyboards as well as the kazoo. Through the years I’ve toured Montreal, Toronto, Quebec and Ontario Canada; Ohio, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawai’i and also played on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Some of my musical influences stem from: 1) My father who knew all the coolest Jazz chords, he didn’t know their names but he knew how and where to use them. 2) Larry Carlton 3) Malo 4) Carlos Santana 5) George Benson 6) Tower of Power 7) Earth, Wind & Fire just to name a few. The Genres Played Professionally: Polynesian, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Soul, Motown, Oldies, Doo-Wop, Latin, Rock, Barbershop, Gospel, Praise & Worship. . . |
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