In Memoriam: George Chambers
Sad news to share today: George “Pops” Chambers of the Chambers Brothers has passed away. He was 88 years old. The news was confirmed by the band’s Facebook page.
“To all our fans, friends and loved ones, I was informed this morning at about 5:00 am, that my brother George, known as ‘Pops’ Chambers has passed. We thank you for all your years of Love Peace and Happiness.”
George was the eldest of the Chambers Brothers, who got their musical start in the Baptist church in Mississippi. He was drafted into the army in 1952, and once he was discharged, the brothers moved to Southern California where they started as a gospel group with George on vocals and washtub bass. He would soon switch to electric as the group found their musical voice.
The Chambers Brothers are best known for their hit “Time Has Come Today,” which reached 11 on the Billboard charts in 1968. It became an anthem for a generation and cemented the band into the blossoming psych-rock scene of the late-60s and 70s. They broke up in the mid-70s, reuniting on occasion. George went back to singing gospel music and became the deacon of his church.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of George Chambers.
