Bill Champlin

Bill Champlin

Person from United States

Genres: AOR, soul, funk, west coast, male vocalists

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About Bill Champlin

Bill Champlin is an American singer, keyboardist, and songwriter, best known for his work with the jazz-pop band Chicago. He gained mainstream recognition for his vocal performances on the hits "Look Away" and "Hard Habit to Break." Before joining Chicago, Champlin was a founding member of the Sons of Champlin, a band active primarily in the 1970s and reuniting in the late 1990s. Born in Oakland, California, on May 21, 1947, Champlin comes from a musical family. He began his music career in 1961 with the band the Opposite Six and formed the Sons of Champlin in 1967. The Sons of Champlin released their first album, "Loosen Up Naturally," in 1969, followed by several more albums until their breakup in 1977. The band reunited in 1997 and has since released live and studio recordings. After the Sons of Champlin disbanded, Champlin moved to Los Angeles and worked extensively as a session musician and vocalist for various artists including Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Elton John, Boz Scaggs, Donna Summer, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond, and Kenny Rogers. He released his first solo album, "Single," in 1978. Champlin won his first Grammy Award in 1979 for co-writing "After the Love is Gone," recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire. He received a second Grammy in 1981 for co-writing "Turn Your Love Around" for George Benson. That same year he released his second solo album, "Runaway." In 1982, Champlin joined Chicago for the album Chicago 16. His vocals became a key element of the band’s sound, notably on songs such as "Hard Habit to Break." In 1988, his song "In the Heat of the Night" was used as the theme for the television show of the same name. The following year, Chicago released "Look Away," featuring Champlin on lead vocals. Throughout the 1990s, Champlin released several solo albums, including "No Wasted Moments" (1990), "Burn Down The Night" (1992), "Through It All" (1994), "He Started To Sing" (1995), and "Mayday" (1996). In 1997, Chicago’s "Here in My Heart," with Champlin on lead vocals, topped the adult contemporary charts. That year also saw the release of an a cappella project called "West Coast All Stars," involving Champlin and other artists. The Sons of Champlin reunited in the late 1990s, releasing live and studio recordings such as "Live At The Luther Burbank Center" (1998), "Secret" (2002), and "Hip Lil' Dreams" (2002). Champlin released the solo album and DVD "No Place Left To Fall" in 2008 and 2009, recorded at Barber Shop Studios in New Jersey. The album reflects a range of musical styles including blues, jazz, rock, funk, R\&B, and pop, showcasing Champlin’s versatility and a more personal artistic approach. The album was released in Japan, Europe, and the United States through various labels. In 2009, Champlin left Chicago after 28 years to focus on his solo career. He toured with the Bill Champlin Band and later with the Sons of Champlin. He also performed with the Norwegian Kringkastings Orchestra in Oslo alongside his wife, Tamara Champlin, who is also a singer-songwriter. The Bill Champlin Band, later renamed Champlin, features members including his son Will Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Carmen Grillo, Bobby Watson, and Herman Matthews. This group has performed internationally, including engagements in Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq. Champlin’s contributions to music have been praised by peers and critics, noting his skills as a vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and songwriter, as well as his enduring presence and influence in the music industry.

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