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The Chambers Brothers

From Alfawiki
The Chambers Brothers
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1954
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsPsychedelic soul music, albums, singles

The Chambers Brothers are a notable American band known for their contribution to psychedelic soul, famously recognized for their extended 1968 track "Time Has Come Today". Their music uniquely blended elements of American blues and gospel with psychedelic rock influences. The ensemble originally comprised four siblings, supplemented by additional musicians.

Background and early career

Hailing from Carthage, Mississippi, the Chambers Brothers began their musical journey as part of their Baptist church choir. After the eldest sibling, George, was drafted in 1952, he moved to Los Angeles, where his brothers eventually joined him. Starting in 1954, they performed gospel and folk music throughout Southern California but only achieved broader acclaim following their 1965 performances in New York City.

The group’s members included George (1931–2019), who initially played washtub bass before switching to bass guitar; Lester (born 1940) on harmonica; and Willie (born 1938) alongside Joe (1942–2024) on guitars. Expanding beyond their gospel roots, they participated in folk circuits such as The Ash Grove in Los Angeles, where they connected with musicians like Hoyt Axton and Barbara Dane. Dane became an influential advocate for the band, collaborating with them on tours and recordings, and introduced them to folk icon Pete Seeger, which helped secure their appearance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Supported by drummer Sam Lay, they performed "I Got It," which was included on the festival’s compilation album.

In pursuit of a more electrified sound akin to other folk artists of the time, they incorporated rock elements into their music. Joe Chambers recounted the intense response from the Newport audience, with the master of ceremonies declaring their performance as rock 'n' roll. That same evening, they witnessed a recording session by the newly electrified Bob Dylan. Shortly after their Newport appearance, they released their first album, People Get Ready.

From the late 1960s through the early 1970s, management of the band was handled by Charles LaMarr (also known as Charles La Marr).

Career

Initially, The Chambers Brothers collaborated with drummer Michael Konnic (also known as Mike Konnic), but parted ways around the time of their Newport festival appearance due to disagreements. Joe Chambers recalled reassuring Konnic by saying, "We love you man. We want you to play drums."

In 1965, they recorded "Call Me," a track penned by Joe and Willie Chambers, with Joe’s "Seventeen" as its B-side. Released in the United States on Vault V-920 and in the United Kingdom on Vocalion 9276, it was produced by Cliff Goldsmith and characterized as a "raw and rockin' soul tune" featuring a prominent cowbell rhythm. The band showcased "Call Me" and "Don't Lose Your Cool" on Hollywood a Go Go in June 1965. Joe and Willie later reflected on the song’s success on KRLA's Rocket to Stardom radio program, where it earned "Record of the Week" honors. The UK release garnered favorable immediate reviews in Record Mirror.

Subsequently, they released "Love Me Like The Rain" and "Pretty Girls Everywhere" on Vault V-923 in 1966. "Love Me Like the Rain," written by Brian Keenan of The Losers, had previously been issued on Atco Records.

Throughout 1966, The Chambers Brothers frequently performed at New York’s Downtown discotheque, attracting large audiences and extending their residency. During this period, drummer Jesse "Nicky" Cahn joined the lineup. Their forthcoming LP was titled People Get Ready, and they had cultivated a devoted fan base in Boston.

George Chambers noted that their need for a committed drummer led them to Brian Keenan, whom they considered an ideal match.

In 1966, they recorded "The Time Has Come Today," paired with the B-side "Dinah," co-written by George, Lester, Joe, and Willie Chambers. The single received a B+ rating from Cash Box, which praised it as an energetic and funky track with strong drive. Despite this positive reception, Columbia Records initially declined to release it.

"All Strung Out Over You"

The group laid down the track "All Strung Out Over You", written by Rudy Clark, which Columbia Records issued as Columbia 4-43957 on December 19, 1966. This release was expedited after Columbia dismissed an initial version of "Time Has Come Today". The song earned favorable attention in the December 24, 1966 issue of Cash Box, where it was designated a Newcomer Pick and described as a "soul drenched swinger" and an excellent choice for dancing. The flip side, "Falling in Love," was characterized as a gritty shouter.

By the close of 1966, Record World noted that The Chambers Brothers, originally rooted in gospel and folk-blues traditions, had shifted their emphasis toward the Rhythm and Blues audience with this new Columbia single. A full-page advertisement in the January 14, 1967 edition of Record World highlighted "All Strung Out Over You" as gaining regional momentum. This localized success paved the way for the band to revisit and re-record "The Time Has Come Today."

Further activities in 1967

At the start of 1967, The Chambers Brothers resumed their live shows, including a return performance at the Ash Grove venue, as reported by Record World on February 25.

They recorded Betty Mabry's song "Uptown," paired with Brian Keenan's "Love Me Like the Rain," released under Columbia 44296. This single was selected as a Pick of the Week in the September 23 issue of Cash Box, commended for its "heavy rhythmic blues-rock throbber" sound and potential crossover appeal to both R&B and pop audiences.

"Time Has Come Today"

The band's significant commercial success arrived in late 1968 with "Time Has Come Today", an 11-minute composition by Joe and Willie Chambers that featured distinctive echo-laden vocals alongside Keenan's psychedelic drumming. A shortened version released as a single spent five weeks between September and October peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 9 in Canada, marking their first entry into the top 30.[1]

Further activities in 1968

Producer Tim O'Brien, recognized for his work with Flavor, produced The Chambers Brothers' album A New Time – A New Day, which was released in October 1968. This album featured tracks such as "I Can't Turn You Loose", "Do Your Thing", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", along with the title track co-written by Joe Chambers and Brian Keenan.[2] It garnered positive critiques from Record World and Beat Instrumental and achieved a peak position of No. 13 on the Record World Top LPs chart as well as No. 19 on Canada's RPM Albums chart.[3]

Their earlier release, Groovin' Time, issued on Folkways FT 31008, received favorable reviews in November 1968, noted for its upbeat sound and strong commercial prospects. It climbed to No. 23 on the Record World LPs Coming Up chart.[4]

In the category of Most Promising Male Vocal Group for 1968, The Chambers Brothers were ranked sixth by Record World.[5]

By mid-1969, manager Charles La Marr alongside Julius Chambers were coordinating European tour dates scheduled for autumn performances.[6] Their single "Wake Up" topped the Record World Singles Coming Up chart.[7] The Vault label released their album Feelin' the Blues (Vault 128), featuring songs like "House of the Rising Sun" and "I Got a Woman," which were described as essential listening for devoted followers.[8]

In December 1969, they issued the double album Love, Peace and Happiness, combining both studio sessions and live recordings; this release was acclaimed by Record World as delivering "sizzling music".[9]

The band appeared at Whiskey A Go Go in a concert filmed by Lawrence-LaMarr Productions—a company affiliated with their manager Charles LaMarr—with plans for national television broadcast of this footage.[10]

By January 1971, their single "Funky," from the forthcoming album New Generation, debuted at No. 58 on the Record World R&B Singles Chart and reached No. 149 on the overall singles chart.[11]

The album New Generation, released in February 1971 on Columbia C 30032, included notable tracks such as "Practice What You Preach," "Reflections," and "Going to the Mill," receiving favorable critical reception.[12]

Having grown frustrated with previous producers who overlooked their creative input, The Chambers Brothers began producing their own recordings. In April 1971, they performed alongside a 22-piece orchestra at Carnegie Hall and announced plans to produce other artists including Brooklyn Bridge.[13]

A compilation titled Greatest Hits was released in November 1971 with strong sales projections across pop, R&B, and underground markets.[14]

Brian Keenan left the band in 1971 due to serious disagreements related to management.[15]

Evolution of the Group Following Brian Keenan's Exit

Subsequent iterations of the band featured session guitarist Steve Hunter, recognized for his contributions to Alice Cooper's projects. An album recorded in 1972 under Columbia, titled Oh! My God, remained shelved until its eventual release on October 28, 2022, across various digital platforms. Although the group initially dissolved in 1972, they regrouped, signed with Avco Records, and issued the albums Unbonded (1974) and Right Move (1975).

By the end of 1971, The Chambers Brothers had incorporated drummer Jerome Brailey—formerly of the Five Stairsteps—who contributed to their 1975 release Right Move. Their single "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" was selected as a Billboard Christmas Pick that December, coinciding with their Greatest Hits album ascending the charts. Throughout the 1970s, the band performed sporadically on tour.

Management under Charles LaMarr concluded by 1973.

In 1975, The Chambers Brothers delivered a dynamic performance at New York's Bottom Line club, earning favorable reviews that emphasized their eclectic song selection and robust keyboard arrangements.

On March 27, 1976, they entered into an exclusive agreement with the Wes Farrell Organization to produce recordings for its Chelsea label, with Farrell serving as producer. The lineup during this period included Julius, Joe, Lester, Willie, George Chambers, and drummer Greg Dickerson. Plans were underway to release a single blending funk and gospel influences alongside an East Coast tour. Additionally, in 1976, they issued Recorded Live in Concert on Mars through the Roxbury label.

The group provided support for Maria Muldaur's 1980 album Gospel Nights.

In 1981, American session drummer Lee Szymborski joined George Chambers for live shows, including an appearance at the Hollywood Bowl's Fourth Annual Survival Sunday Anti-Nuclear Benefit Concert alongside notable performers. Szymborski subsequently collaborated with prominent country and Cajun artists and currently records in Las Vegas.

The original quartet reunited in 1997 with session drummer Fabian Jolivet for a sold-out Gospel & Soul concert at Santa Monica's Ash Grove.

By 2016, Willie and Joe Chambers—with occasional participation from George—revived the group alongside nephew Jerry Warner (bass), Crazy Tomes (guitar), and drummer Jon McCracken for performances in the Los Angeles area, including a show at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.

George Chambers passed away on October 12, 2019, at age 88.

Joe Chambers died on August 15, 2024, aged 81.

Offshoots and Related Endeavors

In 1962, Willie Chambers collaborated with Luke "Long Gone" Miles, frequently performing at San Francisco venues such as Sugar Hill and Ash Grove. He also contributed guitar work to Miles' 1964 album Country Born.

The Chambers Brothers discovered a band named Hog—comprising Teddy Graybill, Paul Alagna, Gerard Kenny, John Castellano, Roger Manseur, and Dave Watkins—managed by Charles LaMarr for Dolot, Inc. Hog debuted at Long Island’s Action House and secured a series of East Coast college gigs through March.

After relocating to New York, Lester Chambers formed a group with former Electric Flag bassist Harvey Brooks, while Willie and Joe engaged in session work. The brothers also participated in commercial projects for Levis.

George Chambers returned to his gospel roots and later served as a church deacon.

Joe Chambers appeared as the president choosing life over nuclear destruction in The Angry Samoans’ music video for "The Time Has Come Today."

In 1984, the Chambers Brothers Band was established featuring Willie and Joe Chambers alongside Chris Chambers, Duke Williams, Corey Spags (also known as Corey Spagnolo), and Cotton Kent. Williams, Kent, and Spags originated from Duke Williams and The Extremes. They recorded three tracks—"Here We Go," "Let's Get Funky," and "You Are My Life"—at Rusk Studios and released a four-song EP titled The Chambers Brothers Are Back in 1985; this included covers like "I've Been Lovin' You Too Long" and "Rainin' in My Heart."

Throughout the 1980s, Lester Chambers partnered with Harvey Brooks in The Chambers-Brooks Band performing renditions of songs by James Brown, Sam & Dave, and Marvin Gaye. A review from 1984 described their interpretations as respectful though somewhat subdued but noted Lester's vocal delivery added vitality.

Brian Keenan retired to Stamford, Connecticut where he founded a recording studio prior to his death in 1985.

Willie Chambers performed alongside Vince and the Invincibles at an Arthur Lee benefit concert in 2006 to critical praise.

By 2015, Joe Chambers was active as The Joe Chambers Experience performing at venues such as Harold’s Place in San Pedro.

Likely featuring Willie and Joe Chambers, backing vocals were provided on Duke Williams & The Extremes’ track "Taking Back My Freedom," which was released online on July 4, 2016.

Joe Chambers collaborated with Marva Holiday on their rendition of "To Love Somebody," later reissued as "To Love Somebody 2022," superseding an earlier version from 2015.

Summer of Soul

In 2021, the Chambers Brothers were prominently featured in the documentary by Questlove titled Summer of Soul, which showcased the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.

Members

Prior to Brian Keenan's arrival in the 1960s, drummer Mike Konnic contributed to significant tracks such as "Yes, Yes, Yes" and "People Get Ready" on the 1966 Vault 9003 release. After their Newport performance, Jesse Cahn took over drumming duties.

In 1970, there was uncertainty regarding their record label affiliation due to rumors connecting them with American International Records; nonetheless, they continued their association with Columbia Records. Furthermore, singer Judd Hamilton was erroneously identified as a band member, a fact later rectified. Similarly, Cliff Chambers—owner of Cyclone Records—was mistakenly listed as part of the group by Cashbox magazine; this was also corrected by manager Charles H. LaMarr.

Jerome Brailey became the band's drummer around late 1971. Guitarist John Castellano joined the touring lineup during 1971 and 1972 after the band learned of his background through his mother’s work tailoring garments for Jimi Hendrix and recognizing his guitar talents in Brooklyn.

Studio albums

  • The Time Has Come (1967) – Reached No. 4 on US Pop Albums, No. 6 on US Black Albums, and No. 11 in Canada
  • A New Time – A New Day (1968) – Achieved No. 16 on US Pop Albums and No. 24 on US Black Albums
  • Feelin' the Blues (July 1969)
  • New Generation (1971) – Peaked at No. 145 on US Pop Albums and No. 36 on US Black Albums
  • Unbonded (1974) – Charted at No. 144 on US Pop Albums
  • Right Move (1975)

Live albums

Unreleased album

  • Oh, My God! (1972) – Digitally released on October 28, 2022

Compilations

  • Groovin' Time (1968)
  • Chambers Brothers' Greatest Hits [Double Album] (1970) – Ranked No. 193 on US Pop Albums
  • Greatest Hits (1971) – Reached No. 166 on US Pop Albums
  • The Best of the Chambers Brothers [Double Album] (1973)
  • The Time Has Come / A New Time – A New Day [Two albums on one] (1975)
  • Greatest Hits (1988)
  • Goin Uptown (1995)
  • Time Has Come: Best of The Chambers Brothers (1996)
  • Time (1998)
  • Now/People Get Ready [Two albums on one CD] (1999)

Collaborations

  • Barbara Dane and The Chambers Brothers (1966)
  • Mike Bloomfield: From His Head to His Heart to His Hands featuring an alternate version of "Tombstone Blues" with Bob Dylan alongside The Chambers Brothers
  • The Four Sides of Buzzy Linhart – Buzzy Linhart (1982, EP)

Charted singles

List of charted singles with selected chart rankings
Year Title Chart positions
US
 US
R&B
 CAN
1967 "Uptown" 126 — —
1968 "Time Has Come Today" 11 — 9
"I Can't Turn You Loose" 37 — 29
"Shout! – Part 1" 83 — —
1969 "Are You Ready" 113 — —
"Wake Up" 92 — —
1970 "Love, Peace and Happiness" 96 — —
"Let's Do It (Do It Together)" 103 — —
1971 "Funky" 96 40 —
1974 "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go" 106 76 —


Further reading

External links

Reviews

  1. ↑ RPM Top 100 Singles - October 7, 1968
  2. ↑ Ultratop
  3. ↑ Record World, RPM Weekly
  4. ↑ Cash Box, Record World
  5. ↑ Record World
  6. ↑ Record World
  7. ↑ Record World
  8. ↑ Record World
  9. ↑ Record World
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Page 36 Chambers Diversify
  11. ↑ Record World
  12. ↑ Record World
  13. ↑ Hit Parader
  14. ↑ Cash Box
  15. ↑ Drummer Cafe
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