Willie Chambers

Last updated
Willie Chambers
Born (1938-03-03) March 3, 1938 (age 86)
Mississippi, U.S.
Genres Rock, gospel music, soul music, psychedelic rock, blues
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1961–present
Labels Columbia
Website https://willie-chambers.com/

Willie Chambers (born March 3, 1938) is an American singer, guitarist, and former member of The Chambers Brothers, a rock band in the 1960s with hits "In The Midnight Hour", "I Can't Turn You Loose", and "Time Has Come Today". He continues to be a regular attraction at various venues in Los Angeles and further afield.

Contents

Background

Along with brothers Lester, Joe and George, Willie was a founding member of The Chambers Brothers and stayed with them through their evolution which included the addition of drummer Brian Keenan in 1965 and the group's eventual breakup. He sang lead on one of their hits, a cover of Wilson Pickett's "In The Midnight Hour". He also co-wrote their biggest hit "Time Has Come Today" with his brother Joe. He would later work as a session musician. [1] [2] More recently, he has become more active and has collaborated with artists such as Louis Metoyer. [3] He has also been involved with Australian born artists such as Jessie Sparks and singer Stephen Rowe, appearing in his "Restless Soul" video. [4]

He had a business relationship with publicist Beverly Noga. Acts she had represented included Sonny & Cher, Cream, the Bee Gees and The Chambers Brothers. After her 1964 founded company, Contemporary Public Relations closed down, she and Willie Chambers formed Hebewillen Enterprises and Hebewillen Publishing which ran until her death in 2021. [5]

Career

1960s to 1980s

During the 1960s, Willie was worried about he and his brothers with performing political songs with Barbara Dane. Years later he said "You can’t do music and politics. It’s like gasoline and water. It doesn’t mix.". [6]

In 1969, and in Copenhagen at the time, he had a long-distance phone conversation Middleton of UK music trade magazine Record Mirror about the kind of music The Chambers brothers were playing and, was asked about the spate of reissues of the group's material. [7]

In a review of the Live in Concert on Mars album by The Chambers Brothers which featured Steve Cropper, Willie's singing on the song "Superstar" was referred to as a gem with the reviewer also saying that 7:37 wouldn't be too long for progressive airplay. [8]

Willie and brother Joe provided backing vocals on "Haunted House", a track on the Before The Rain album by Lee Oskar, released in 1978. [9]

1990s to 2000s

Chambers added his vocals to a track on Kid Ramos' self-titled album. Mike Boehm of Los Angeles Times gave a review in September 1999. He noted Chambers' input to the song "Leave Me Alone", describing it as "piercing, full-on cries in the role of a man caged in a romance he doesn’t want". [10] In 2005, he sang lead on "I Move Easy" which was written by T. J. Tindall and featured Tindal, Earl Scooter on background vocals. The rhythm section featured Earl Young and Ronnie Baker and Larry Washington from MFSB. [11] [12]

In 2006, he sat in with a group called Vince and the Invinceables at a benefit concert for Arthur Lee of the group Love. [13] [14]

Between 2008 and 2009, he was involved with the Artie Vegas Revue. [15] He and his brother Joe Chambers worked with Australian singer Jessie Sparks. They contributed to the song "Calendar Years" which featured on her EP which was released in 2012. The song was described as a funky piece with a soulful vocal. [16] [17] In September 2015, Chambers and Louis Metoyer were scheduled to appear at Pickwick Gardens, Ronnie Mack's Salute to Tina Turner event. [18]

Collaboration with Louis Metoyer

In addition to Chambers and Metoyer working on various projects such as appearing at the Pickwick Gardens Turner event and performing with the Madero Sisters, [19] [20] [21] they recorded "Get Out And Vote!!!" which was released in 2018. [22]

Willie was interviewed by Jeff Suwak of Songfacts where he talked about his early years in Mississippi and the career of The Chambers Brothers which was published on the website on January 3, 2018. [23]

2020s

Chambers had worked with group Trans-X and worked on two dance collaborations, "She Freaks out on the Floor" in 2018 and "Keep it Coming" in 2020. [24] [25]

On October 17, 2022, Chambers and Barbara Dane who the Chambers Bro's worked with in the mid-60s performed together live on stage in Berkley singing, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around". [26] [27] In November, 2022 Chambers was interviewed for the Psychedelic Scene YouTube channel. [28] It was also published on line in transcript form. [29]

Willie Chambers was interviewed as an inductee for the California Music Hall of Fame which was published on the MediaNiteRadio YouTube channel on April 19, 2024. [30]

Discography (selective)

Singles
ActTitleAlbumCatalogueYearNotes #
Willie Chambers"Taxi Hey"Angel Tongue Records2011 [31]
Crazy Tomes, Guitar Shorty, Willie Chambers"Back to the Motherland"2015 [32]
Louis Metoyer feat Willie Chambers"Get Out And Vote!!!"2018 [33]
Trans-X "She Freaks out on the Floor"Discolocos, Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)2018 [34]
Trans-X"Keep it Coming"iscolocos, Vol. 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)2020 [35]
Appearances (selective)
ActTitleAlbumCatalogueYearNotes #
Lee Oskar "Haunted House"Before The Rain Elektra 6E-150 1978Backing: Willie, Joe and George [36]
Maria Vidal "Life On The Train" Maria Vidal A&M Records SP 6-51601987Backing: Willie and Joe [37]
Kid Ramos"Leave Me Alone"Kid RamosEvidence ECD 26104-21999Willie Chambers vocal [38]
Paul Revere & The Raiders "Time Has Come Today"Ride To The Wall Volume IIRide To The Wall Foundation RTTWF 20052005Vocal Willie Chambers [39]
Various"Me and the Devil"Gospel, The Ultimate CollectionThe Red Box THERB4322007Featuring Willie Chambers [40]
Stephen Rowe "Restless Soul"Restless Soul (Album)2009Willie appears in the "Restless Soul" video [41]
Jessie Sparks "Calendar Years"Jessie Sparks (EP)2012Backing: Willie and Joe Chambers contribute to "Calendar Years" [42] [43]
Fuzzbee Morse "Underground Railroad"Dreams And Other Living ThingsGiant Mogul 00012015Backing Vocals – Joe Chambers, Lisa Frazier, Tyra Juliette, Willie Chambers [44]

Film and guest appearances

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Windy (The Association song)</span> 1967 single by the Association

"Windy" is a pop song written by Ruthann Friedman and recorded by the Association. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1967, becoming the group's second U.S. No. 1 hit following "Cherish" in 1966. Billboard ranked the record as the No. 4 song for 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbara Dane</span> American folk, blues, and jazz singer

Barbara Dane is an American folk, blues, and jazz singer, guitarist, record producer, and political activist. She co-founded Paredon Records with Irwin Silber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chambers Brothers</span> American psychedelic soul band

The Chambers Brothers is an American psychedelic soul band, best known for their eleven-minute 1968 psychedelic soul hit "Time Has Come Today". The group was part of the wave of new music that integrated American blues and gospel traditions with modern psychedelic and rock elements. Their music has been kept alive through frequent use in film soundtracks. There were four brothers, though other musicians were also in the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The New Christy Minstrels</span> American large-ensemble folk music group

The New Christy Minstrels are an American large-ensemble folk music group founded by Randy Sparks in 1961. The group has recorded more than 20 albums and scored several hits, including "Green, Green", "Saturday Night", "Today", "Denver" and "This Land Is Your Land". The group's 1962 debut album, Presenting the New Christy Minstrels, won a Grammy Award and remained on the Billboard 200 albums chart for two years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessie's Girl</span> 1981 single by Rick Springfield

"Jessie's Girl" is a song written and performed by Australian singer Rick Springfield. It was released on the album Working Class Dog, which was released in February 1981. The song is about unrequited love and centres on a young man in love with his best friend's girlfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diddley bow</span> Single-stringed American instrument

The diddley bow is a single-stringed American instrument which influenced the development of the blues sound. It consists of a single string of baling wire tensioned between two nails on a board over a glass bottle, which is used both as a bridge and as a means to magnify the instrument's sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down (311 song)</span> 1996 single by 311

"Down" is a song by the band 311. It is the first song on their third album, 311. It was their first #1 single on the Billboard Alternative Songs charts, and along with their self-titled album, was largely responsible for launching them into mainstream success. An accompanying video for the song was in rotation on MTV at the time of its release. Due to its massive popularity it was also included as the first song on their live album, Live, and on their greatest hits album, Greatest Hits '93–'03. Since its release it has also become a staple of their live concerts, and is usually dedicated "to all the old-school 311 fans." However, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was placed on the list of post-9/11 inappropriate titles distributed by Clear Channel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silent Lucidity</span> 1991 single by Queensrÿche

"Silent Lucidity" is a power ballad by the band Queensrÿche from the 1990 album Empire. The song, which was composed by lead guitarist Chris DeGarmo, was the biggest hit for the band, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. "Silent Lucidity" was also nominated in 1992 for the Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Time Has Come Today</span> 1966 single by The Chambers Brothers

"Time Has Come Today" is a hit single by the American psychedelic soul group the Chambers Brothers, written by Willie & Joe Chambers. The song was recorded and released as a single in 1966 by Columbia Records. It was then featured on the album The Time Has Come in November 1967, and released again as a single in December 1967. The 1967 single was a Top 10 near-miss in America, spending five weeks at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the fall of 1968. In Canada, the song reached No. 9. It is now considered one of the landmark rock songs of the psychedelic era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cool Places</span> 1983 single by Sparks and Jane Wiedlin

"Cool Places" is a 1983 new wave song recorded by American pop band Sparks in collaboration with the Go-Go's rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Jane Wiedlin. It was their second single to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

"Faget" is a song by the American nu metal band Korn. It is the sixth track from the band's self-titled debut studio album. The song is about how Korn's lead vocalist, Jonathan Davis, was bullied in high school for being into arts, wearing eyeliner, being into new wave music, and wearing frilly shirts. According to Jonathan Davis, he was constantly called names such as "faggot".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timmy Trumpet</span> Australian musician

Timothy Jude Smith, known by his stage name Timmy Trumpet, is an Australian musician, DJ, songwriter and record producer. He has become known internationally for playing the trumpet live and making use of jazz elements in dance music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laserlight (song)</span> 2012 single by Jessie J featuring David Guetta

"Laserlight" is a song by English singer-songwriter Jessie J featuring French DJ David Guetta, taken from the platinum edition of Jessie J's debut studio album, Who You Are. The artists co-wrote the song with The Invisible Men, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Frédéric Riesterer. The song was released on 13 May 2012 in the United Kingdom, as the seventh overall and final single from the album. Ahead of its official release, "Laserlight" became Jessie J's sixth top 10 hit in the UK – peaking at number five – making her the first British female to have six top 10 singles from one album.

"Right Here" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber featuring Canadian rapper Drake, released on February 5, 2013 as the fourth single from the former's third studio album Believe (2012). It was written by the artists alongside Eric Bellinger, and producer Hit-Boy. A lyric video was posted onto Bieber's YouTube channel in February 2013, and he performed the song live as part of his worldwide Believe Tour in 2012-13.

Michael C. Taylor was an American guitarist, songwriter, and arranger. After a successful musical career, he became an historian, archaeologist and preservationist. He is widely remembered as a performer and co-writer on John Denver's song "Rocky Mountain High".

"Love, Peace and Happiness" is a 1970 song by American psychedelic soul band, the Chambers Brothers. It appeared on the album of the same name, and was a hit in 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How It Is (song)</span> 2019 single by Roddy Ricch, Chip, and Yxng Bane featuring The Plug

"How It Is" is a song by American rapper Roddy Ricch and British rappers Chip and Yxng Bane. It features British record producer The Plug. The song was released on February 28, 2019. It serves as Yxng Bane's most popular song. On YouTube it is on The Plug's channel, and it is shown as his song featuring Roddy Ricch, Chip, and Yxng Bane. However, this is majorly inaccurate.The plug was the main producer in How it is.

Songfacts is a music-oriented website that has articles about songs, detailing the meaning behind the lyrics, how and when they were recorded, and any other info that can be found.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Tashian</span> American songwriter, producer, and musician

Daniel Tashian is an American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has spent ten years writing and producing for Big Yellow Dog Music.

References

  1. ↑ classicbands.com The Chambers Brothers
  2. ↑ Music Finder Online - WILLIE CHAMBERS
  3. ↑ Frank Beacham's Journal, March 03, 2021 - Willie Chambers, a former member of The Chambers Brothers, is 83 years old today
  4. ↑ Frank Beacham's Journal, March 03, 2021 - Willie Chambers, a former member of The Chambers Brothers, is 83 years old today
  5. ↑ The Hollywood Reporter, OCTOBER 11, 2021 - Music Publicist Beverly Noga Dies at 87 by Mike Barnes
  6. ↑ KPCC 89.3FM - The Frame, Activist and folksinger Barbara Dane taught The Chambers Brothers how to ‘do your thing’
  7. ↑ Record Mirror, No. 419 March 22, 1969 - Page 10 CHAMBER BROTHERS: "MUSICAL MISFITS?"
  8. ↑ Cash Box, October 23, 1976 - Page 26 ALBUM REVIEWS, LIVE IN CONCERT ON MARS — The Chambers Brothers —
    Roxbury RLX 106 — Producer: Wes Farrell — List: 6.98
  9. ↑ Discogs - Lee Oskar – Before The Rain
  10. ↑ Los Angeles Times , SEPT. 10, 1999 - Album Review : Guitarist Finds the Right Chord : *** 1/2 KID RAMOS, “Kid Ramos,” Evidence BY MIKE BOEHM
  11. ↑ Tangible-technology.com - Index of /music/eddie/
  12. ↑ Neotomic Aliviac fanzine, 29 Apr 2008 - T.J. Tindall Interview
  13. ↑ Mojo Music Review of the June 28, 2006 Arthur Lee Benefit Concert at the Whisky a Go Go
  14. ↑ love.torbenskott.dk Whiskey-A-Go-Go, L.A.US June 28. 2006
  15. ↑ archive.upcoming.org - artie vegas #305279
  16. ↑ BC Blog Critics, Feb. 1, 2012 - - Music Review: Jessie Sparks - Jessie Sparks (EP)
  17. ↑ Frank Beacham's Journal, March 03, 2021 - Willie Chambers, a former member of The Chambers Brothers, is 83 years old today
  18. ↑ LA Weekly , September 11–17, 2015 - Page 43 Clubs, Rock & Pop
  19. ↑ Frank Beacham's Journal, March 03, 2022 - Willie Chambers, former member of The Chambers Brothers, is 84 years old today
  20. ↑ LA Weekly, September 10, 2015 - Page 43 CLUBS, ROCK & POP
  21. ↑ Instigram - louismetoyergtr Get Out And Vote !! OCTOBER 24, 2020
  22. ↑ Spotify - Song Get out and Vote!!!, Louis Metoyer Willie Chambers
  23. ↑ Songfacts, January 3, 2018 - Willie Chambers of The Chambers Brothers by Jeff Suwak
  24. ↑ Apple Music - Discolocos, Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  25. ↑ Apple Music - Discolocos, Vol. 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  26. ↑ KPCC 89.3 FM - Activist and folksinger Barbara Dane taught The Chambers Brothers how to ‘do your thing’
  27. ↑ Michael Donnelly Youtube channel, Oct 19, 2022 - Barbara Dane & Willie Chambers "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" live, Berkeley, Oct 17, 2022
  28. ↑ Psychedelic Scene channel, Nov 17, 2022 - Willie Chambers Interview with Psychedelic Scene
  29. ↑ Psychedelic Scene Magazine, November 17, 2022- INTERVIEW: WILLIE CHAMBERS OF THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS by Jason LeValley
  30. ↑ MediaNiteRadio channel, Apr 19, 2024 - Interview with Inductee Willie Chambers (Chambers Brothers) at the California Music Hall of Fame
  31. ↑ Spotify - Taxi Hey
  32. ↑ Deezer.com - Back to the Motherland
  33. ↑ Spotify - Song Get out and Vote!!!, Louis Metoyer Willie Chambers
  34. ↑ Apple Music - Discolocos, Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  35. ↑ Apple Music - Discolocos, Vol. 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  36. ↑ Discogs - Lee Oskar – Before The Rain
  37. ↑ Discogs - Maria Vidal – Maria Vidal
  38. ↑ Los Angeles Times, SEPT. 10, 1999 - Album Review : Guitarist Finds the Right Chord : *** 1/2 KID RAMOS, “Kid Ramos,” Evidence BY MIKE BOEHM
  39. ↑ Discogs - Paul Revere & The Raiders – Ride To The Wall Volume II
  40. ↑ Discogs - Various – Gospel - The Ultimate Collection
  41. ↑ Bman's Blues Report, Friday, March 2, 2012 - People Get Ready - WILLIE CHAMBERS
  42. ↑ BC Blog Critics, Feb. 1, 2012 - - Music Review: Jessie Sparks - Jessie Sparks (EP)
  43. ↑ Frank Beacham's Journal, March 03, 2021 - Willie Chambers, a former member of The Chambers Brothers, is 83 years old today
  44. ↑ Discogs - Fuzzbee Morse – Dreams And Other Living Things
  45. ↑ "South Central Gospel". Onos Productions. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.

Music

Interviews

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.