Eddie Chamblee

Eddie Chamblee demonstrated reliable, occasionally stirring musicianship across large ensembles, intimate groups, and the early years of R&B. After studying law at Chicago State University, he performed in multiple Army bands between 1941 and 1946. Returning to civilian life, he directed his own small unit in Chicago through the middle of the 1950s before spending two years with Lionel Hampton, which included a European tour and recording dates in 1956. He then resumed leading small combos and accompanied vocalist Dinah Washington on numerous distinguished sessions in 1957, 1958, and 1963; the two were briefly married. In the 1970s Chamblee rejoined forces with both Milt Buckner and Hampton, traveling again to Europe with them in 1976, 1977, and 1978. He also recorded alongside each of those artists and directed a few dates with his own band that same year. In 1982 he appeared for a brief stretch in Count Basie’s orchestra.