The lead singer of the Checkers for many years, Fumiya Fujii later struck out on his own for a solo career, with just as much popular success as his former band. Born in Kurume City, Fukuoka on July 11, 1962, he formed the Checkers with vocalists Yoshihiko Takamoku and Masaharu Tsuruku, sax player Naoyuki Fujii, guitarist Tohru Takeuchi, bassist Yuji Ohdoi and drummer Yoshiya Tokunaga. Fujii was the frontman for the band over the course of 13 albums during the 1980s and '90s, but began his solo career in 1994. Three additional albums have followed for the Pony Canyon label (R&R, Tears, Standard). ~ John Bush