In the early 1970s, The Independents emerged from Chicago with a sound rooted in smooth soul and heartfelt harmonies. Though their time in the spotlight was short, they delivered several memorable tracks, most notably the 1973 hit “Leaving Me.” Blending male and female vocals, their music reflected the era’s emotional depth and evolving R&B sound.
Behind the scenes, two members—Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy—went on to achieve even greater success as producers and songwriters, especially with Natalie Cole.
Formation and Early Success
The Independents formed in 1971 with Chuck Jackson, Maurice Jackson (no relation), Marvin Yancy, Helen Curry, and Eric Thomas. They quickly made their mark with a smooth, emotional style that resonated with R&B audiences. Their debut single, “Just As Long As You Need Me,” reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 8 on the R&B chart.
This early success established their reputation. Their follow-up, “I Just Want to Be There,” didn’t perform as well on the charts but became known for its polished production and expressive vocal delivery.
The Breakout Hit – “Leaving Me”
In 1973, The Independents released “Leaving Me,” written by Maurice Barge and Jimmie Jiles. It became their biggest hit, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting No. 1 on the R&B chart. It sold over one million copies and earned a gold record from the RIAA. The song’s theme of heartbreak and vulnerability struck a chord with audiences, and its success made The Independents a household name—at least briefly.
Their next single, “Baby I’ve Been Missing You,” reached No. 41 on the pop chart and No. 4 on the R&B chart. Other notable releases included “It’s All Over,” “The First Time We Met,” and “Let This Be a Lesson to You,” though none matched the success of “Leaving Me.”
Later Years and Disbandment
By 1974, the group’s popularity was beginning to fade. Their final charting single, “Let This Be a Lesson to You,” barely cracked the Hot 100 at No. 88. In 1975, The Independents disbanded.
While their career as a group was brief, Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy soon found success producing and writing for other artists. Their most famous collaborations were with Natalie Cole, helping launch her career with hits like “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” “Inseparable,” and “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”
Members’ Individual Contributions
Chuck Jackson
Born March 22, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson was the group’s lead singer and primary lyricist. After The Independents disbanded, he and Marvin Yancy became one of R&B’s most successful writing teams. Together, they produced several gold and platinum albums for Natalie Cole and worked with artists like Phyllis Hyman and The Dells.
Maurice Jackson
Maurice, born June 12, 1944, in Chicago, is the half-brother of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. As a teenager, he studied music at the University of Chicago’s conservatory. His solo single “Lucky Fellow” gained popularity after he performed it on Soul Train, further boosting his career. Maurice continued to receive recognition in the UK and among soul fans.
Marvin Yancy
Yancy, born May 31, 1950, was the son of a Baptist pastor and started performing at age 13. He studied at the Moody Bible Institute and later formed a strong musical partnership with Chuck Jackson. Yancy co-wrote and co-produced many of Natalie Cole’s biggest hits. Tragically, he passed away in 1985 at the age of 34, but his legacy lives on through his influential work.
Helen Curry
Helen had released several singles before joining The Independents, but they hadn’t gained commercial traction. She joined Charles Jackson and Marvin Yancy after her previous group, Benjamin and Company, broke up. With The Independents, she finally found a broader audience and a platform for her soulful vocals.
Discography Highlights
Here are some of the group’s key releases on Wand Records:
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1972: “Just As Long As You Need Me” / “I Just Want to Be There”
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1973: “Leaving Me” (Gold Record), “Baby I’ve Been Missing You,” “It’s All Over,” “The First Time We Met”
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1974: “Arise and Shine,” “Let This Be a Lesson to You”
Legacy
Though The Independents only lasted a few years, their music left a lasting impact on soul fans. Their biggest hit, “Leaving Me,” remains a classic, often included in R&B oldies compilations. More importantly, the group’s members—especially Jackson and Yancy—helped shape the careers of major artists through their production and songwriting.
Their story is a reminder that even short-lived groups can influence the music world in lasting ways.