Singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and guitarist Bill Champlin – born in Oakland, California, on May 21, 1947 – is best known as the leader of the Sons of Champlin and for his time playing with the band Chicago (1981-2009). He began playing in bands in high school and formed the band the Opposite Six. Eventually, the band changed their name to the Sons of Champlin and became a live draw in the Bay Area. Signing to Capitol Records, the group released their first album, The Sons, in 1969. It was quickly followed later that year by Loosen Up Naturally (1969). The group’s reputation grew but their subsequent albums – including Follow Your Heart (1971), Welcome to the Dance (1973), The Sons of Champlin (1975), A Circle Filled with Love (1976), and Living is Why (1977) – but they were not commercially successful. Bill Champlin left the band and relocated to Los Angeles, California. He began working on his debut solo album and began doing a lot of session work as both a singer and a musician. In 1978, the year he released his debut solo album, Single, he was invited to join Chicago after the recent tragic death of their guitarist Terry Kath. Bill Champlin initially turned down the offer but by 1981, he was a full-time member of the band. He became an integral part of the group, making his debut on the album Chicago 16. With the release of each album, his musical presence in the group continued to grow, especially when Peter Cetera departed the group in 1985. He sang lead on three of the band’s biggest hits of the 1980s: “Hard Habit to Break” (1984), “Look Away” (1988), and “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” (1988). Outside of his Sons of Champlin / Chicago work, Bill Champlin was a successful songwriter, co-writing such hits as “After the Love Has Gone” (Earth Wind & Fire) and “Turn Your Love Around” (George Benson). Bill Champlin and Chicago parted ways in 2009 and he continued his solo career, as well as working as the Sons of Champlin again. He has also continued his session work and successful songwriting career.
