Robert "Squirrel" Lester

August 16, 1942 — January 8, 2010 — Rockford, Illinois, United States

Robert Earl "Squirrel" Lester was an American singer best known as the second tenor of The Chi-Lites, one of the defining vocal groups of 1970s soul music. His smooth, high harmonies helped give the Chicago quintet its signature romantic sound on classics like "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her." Over a career spanning decades, Lester remained a steady presence in a group whose gentle, melodic style stood apart from the harder funk and disco sounds of the era.

Early Life

Robert Earl Lester was born on August 16, 1942, and grew up immersed in the vibrant vocal-group tradition of postwar Black America, a scene shaped by doo-wop, gospel, and early rhythm and blues. Like many singers of his generation, he came of age at a time when street-corner harmony groups were a common training ground for young Black male vocalists, particularly in cities such as Chicago, which would later become the epicenter of his musical career. His nickname "Squirrel" stuck with him throughout his professional life, distinguishing him within a group whose members each carried distinctive personas. Details of his childhood and formal musical training are not widely documented, but his eventual role as second tenor suggests early vocal talent and a natural ear for close harmony singing. By the mid-1960s, Lester had connected with a circle of Chicago-based singers who would soon coalesce into one of the most beloved vocal groups of the soul era, setting the stage for a career defined by tight harmonies, emotional ballads, and lasting popular appeal.

Career with The Chi-Lites

Lester rose to prominence as a founding member of The Chi-Lites, a Chicago vocal group that blended doo-wop roots with the polished soul sound emerging from labels like Brunswick Records. Alongside lead singer Eugene Record and fellow group members, Lester's second tenor voice added crucial texture to the group's signature blend of tender falsetto leads and rich background harmonies. The Chi-Lites achieved major commercial success in the early 1970s, scoring hits such as "Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl" — which topped the Billboard Hot 100 — and "Homely Girl." Their sophisticated, romantic ballads made them one of the era's most popular soul acts, appealing to audiences seeking smoother, more introspective alternatives to funk and disco. Lester's harmonies were integral to the group's lush vocal arrangements, which became a hallmark of the Chicago soul sound. As musical trends shifted throughout the 1970s and beyond, The Chi-Lites continued performing and recording, with various lineup changes over the years. Lester remained closely associated with the group's legacy, often returning to perform their beloved catalog for audiences who had grown up with their music, helping preserve the group's reputation as pioneers of soulful, harmony-driven balladry.

Later Years and Legacy

In the decades following the Chi-Lites' commercial peak, Lester continued to tour and perform with various incarnations of the group, keeping their catalog of hits alive for new generations of soul music fans. The Chi-Lites' influence extended well beyond their chart success, as their songs were later sampled and referenced by hip-hop and R&B artists, cementing their place in the broader history of Black American music. Lester died on January 8, 2010, after suffering a heart attack at a Waffle House restaurant in Bruce, Mississippi, while the group was traveling for a performance. He was 67 years old. His death was widely reported in music circles, prompting tributes that highlighted his decades-long contribution to one of soul music's most enduring vocal groups. Today, Lester is remembered as an essential part of The Chi-Lites' sound — a steady, skilled harmonist whose voice helped define some of the most romantic and memorable soul records of the 1970s. His work continues to resonate through reissues, samples, and the enduring popularity of songs like "Oh Girl," ensuring his contribution to American music remains recognized long after his passing.