| Lester Chambers | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 13, 1940 Mississippi, United States |
| Genres | Rock, gospel music, soul music, psychedelic rock, blues |
| Instruments | Vocals, harmonica, percussion |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Labels | Columbia, Explosive Records |
| Associated acts | Chambers Brothers, Lester Chambers Harvey Brooks Band, Willie Chambers |
| Website | Lester Chambers.com |
Lester Chambers (born April 13, 1940, Mississippi) is an American recording artist, and former member and lead singer of the 1960s soul rock group The Chambers Brothers,[1] who had the hit single, "Time Has Come Today." He sang lead on the Chambers Brothers songs "All Strung Out Over You," "People Get Ready," "Uptown," "I Can't Turn You Loose," and "Funky." Following going solo he has released various singles and albums over the years, and has teamed up with ex-Electric Flag bassist Harvey Brooks to form the Lester Chambers Harvey Brooks Band,[2] and added vocals to Bonnie Raitt's Sweet Forgiveness album.
Contents |
In 2003, the home of Lola and Lester Chambers was broken in to and their record collection was stolen. There were over sixty Chambers Brothers albums and over one hundred singles stolen. Lola Chambers had spent twenty five years collecting Chambers Brothers records at various venues. She wanted to leave these for their sons.[3] Lester Chambers developed a number of medical problems that went untreated because he lacked insurance. He later became homeless, sleeping in a rehearsal hall in Novato, California, until Yoko Ono paid to rent a home for him and his son Dylan.[4]
In addition there was the royalties aspect. In a chat session on the Soul Patrol website, Lester Chambers mentioned some of the injustices that black artists had to endure as well as himself and his brothers.[5]
In an article by Moses Avalon, Mrs. Chambers claimed to have never received a royalty cheque, nor an advance, in upward of 30 years. Equally The Olympics who had the hit "Hully Gully," complained that despite this appearing on 94 different compilation albums worldwide, they had never received a royalty cheque.[6]
In March 2011, Lester Chambers was inducted into the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame.
Lester Chambers & KK Martin