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Artist
Bill Champlin
12+ albums
AORsoulfunkwest coastmale vocalists
about
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 beca
