Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith
Cruise Ship Passenger Death
Caribbean Princess - December 15, 2007
Marvin Smith
Event Date: December 15, 2007
Bruise: Death
Bruise Location: Caribbean
Age: 68
Home Town: Nevada
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship: Caribbean Princess
Details:
Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith, one half of the R&B duo, the Checkmates, has died.
Smith died aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship in the Caribbean, where he was scheduled to perform, said his agent, Mike Moloney.
Smith's partner in The Checkmates, Sonny Charles, a friend since childhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana found Smith in his cabin before they were to rehearse for a show that evening.
The two had served in the Army together under the late-1950s "buddy system," touring in the entertainment division of the Army's Special Services. After coming home to the U. S. they began performing in Las Vegas.
The duo's best-known recordings include "Love is All I Have to Give" and a remake of "Proud Mary." hil Spector-produced "Black Pearl" was their most successful single, a Top 10 hit.
The Checkmates had played their most recent show in southern Nevada a few weeks ago.
The Checkmates were inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame in 2000.
Smith is survived by his wife, Linda, and a daughter from previous marriage.
