They never achieved the notoriety that many of the other soul groups of the 60s and 70s did, but The Masqueraders certainly showed longevity, performing for 60 years in various forms. And that longevity brought with it a legendary status with soul music fans around the world. Today we’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of singer Sammie “Sam” Lee Hutchins, who was a five decade member of the group. The Masqueraders posted on their Facebook page today:
The Masqueraders were formed in Dallas by Charlie Moore and Robert Tex Wrightsil, in the early 60s, with other local singers Lee Jones, Johnny Davis and Charlie Gibson. They moved to Detroit, then the center of the soul music world. While they didn’t get signed by Motown, they stuck around the Motor City, and recorded several singles on the La Beat label. But their Gospel-influenced sound was a better fit for the gritty soul vibes in Memphis, and they finally found two hits there in 1968 with “I’m Just An Average Guy” and “I Ain’t Got To Love Nobody Else.”
There were some lineup changes, but the group continued to record and perform in the Memphis area for another decade, scoring minor hits with “Love, Peace and Understanding” and “Let The Love Bells Ring.” While hit became harder to come by after that, the act continued on, backing other major vocalists and performing tirelessly, for a long time with the lineup of Wrightsil, Sammie Lee Hutchins and Harold Thomas. They even had an auspicious appearance in 2017 on the television show America’s Got Talent, where they received a standing ovation.
They may not be a household name, but The Masqueraders provided great soul music to fans for an incredible length of time.
