Little Ben & The Cheers

Little Ben & the Cheers, from Chicago's Southside, recorded at least 15 singles on a variety of labels. Ben Norfleet was the oldest of the teens, who were brothers and cousins: Ben Norfleet (lead), Frank Norfleet (first tenor), John Norfleet (second tenor), and Merlon Norfleet (bass). They were the children of the Norfleet Brothers, a very popular Chicago gospel group. The group's lack of success was due to inadequate management, poor promotion, and bad timing. It surely wasn't lack of talent, as Little Ben possessed a blasting tenor similar to Jackie Wilson's.