[1] In early 1965 they signed a contract with George Rickrich, owner of the Fine Arts Theatre in Denton, who became their manager.

[1][2][3] On the flip side was an atmospheric instrumental ballad, "Dreams And Wishes" composed by guitarist Robert Patton.

[1][2][3] Ron DiIulio left the Chessmen shortly thereafter, but remained at North Texas State, forming two short-lived bands, first the Rejects and then the New Sound in 1966.

[1][2] It was with this lineup that the Chessmen recorded their best known song "I Need You There", written by Norris Green, which appeared on their next single on Bismark's B.R.S.

[1][2][3] On "I Need You There", Patton sang the lead vocal and Herbert supplied the song's signature guitar licks.

[1] On stage Patton, Herbert, and Carter alternated on lead vocals for most of the band's repertoire, and the three occasionally did harmonies.

[1] The group began appearing regularly at all-ages dances at the Spinning Wheels Skating Rink on North Elm St in Denton.

[1] Their next single featured "You’re Gonna Be Lonely", on the A-side, which was written by Knox Henderson (who also co-wrote Mouse and the Traps’ "Public Execution" and "Maid of Sugar, Maid of Spice" and the Uniques "You Ain’t Tuff") and Larry Mackey.

[1] The flip side, "No More", like "I Need You There", was written by Norris Green and included a doleful harmonica, interlocking guitar lines, and harmonies.

[1][3] The group's situation was dramatically altered by the loss of their leader Robert Patton, who in a late night incident on April 19, 1966, drowned at after falling off of a sailboat in White Rock Lake in Dallas.

[1] Though some rumored it to be a hazing incident, one of the students on board the boat, John Hargiss maintains: The Chessmen continued, in spite of the tragedy.

According to Alan Paul in Guitar World, "His ability to play note-perfect versions of the day’s hits helped make … [the Chessmen] one of the city’s top club and college-circuit draws".

[1] Johnny Peebles left the band in early 1967, and Bill Etheridge replaced him on rhythm guitar and keyboards.