Born and raised in Lee County, MS, the four brothers, George (b. September 26, 1931; bass), Willie (b. March 3, 1938; guitar), Lester (b. April 13, 1940; harmonica) and Joe (b. August 22, 1942; guitar), moved to Los Angeles during the early 50s. The unit’s gospel-based origins were evident in their first recordings, which included an unpolished reading of Curtis Mayfield’s ‘People Get Ready’. In 1965, they were joined by drummer Brian Keenan and an appearance at that year’s Newport Folk Festival reinforced the Chambers Brothers ‘R&B combo’ approach, the basis for their later direction. The title track to a 1968 album, Time Has Come Today, with its exciting, extended instrumental break, introduced the Chambers Brothers to the white, counter-culture audience. They cultivated a hippie image and part of a subsequent album, Love Peace And Happiness, was recorded live at the Fillmore East, then one of rock’s prestigious venues.
The group continued to maintain their popularity into the 70s, but in embracing such a transient fashion they were unable to secure a committed following when tastes changed. In the 90s and new millennium their music found a new generation, given the wink by their elders. The band continue to perform the hits together with blues standards, with the Chambers’ children boosting the line-up. ‘Time Has Come Today’ is still an encore worth waiting for.