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Paul Chambers

1935 – 1969

American jazz double bassist

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About Paul Chambers

Lived 1935 – 1969 (aged 33). Paul Chambers was an American composer, jazz musician, recording artist and double-bassist.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers Jr. (April 22, 1935 – January 4, 1969) was an American jazz double bassist. A fixture of rhythm sections during the 1950s and 1960s, he has become one of the most widely-known jazz bassists of the hard bop era. He was also known for his bowed solos. Chambers recorded about a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, and more than 100 as a sideman, especially as the anchor of trumpeter Miles Davis's "first great quintet" (1955–63) and with pianist Wynton Kelly (1963–68).

Biography Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1935, He began playing music with several of his schoolmates on the baritone horn. Chambers stayed with the group until 1963, From 1963 until 1966, Chambers played with Wynton Kelly's trio. On January 4, 1969, he died of tuberculosis at the age of 33.

Discography

Chambers' Music (Jazz: West, 1956) Whims of Chambers (Blue Note, 1957) Bass on Top (Blue Note, 1957) Paul Chambers Quintet (Blue Note, 1958) We Three (New Jazz, 1959) with Roy Haynes and Phineas Newborn Jr. Go (Vee-Jay, 1959) 1st Bassman (Vee-Jay, 1960)

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Cass Technical High School
Also known as
Paul Laurence Chambers Jr

People in Paul Chambers's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Paul Chambers's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Paul Chambers?

American jazz double bassist (1935–1969)

When was Paul Chambers born?

Paul Chambers was born on 22 April 1935 in Pittsburgh.

When did Paul Chambers die?

Paul Chambers died on 4 January 1969 in New York City.

What was Paul Chambers's occupation?

Paul Chambers was a composer, jazz musician, recording artist and double-bassist.

What nationality was Paul Chambers?

Paul Chambers was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Paul Chambers

· Wikidata: Q541659

· DBpedia: Paul Chambers

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Paul Chambers. https://biography.guide/paul-chambers-composer/

MLA: "Paul Chambers." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/paul-chambers-composer/.

Chicago: "Paul Chambers." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/paul-chambers-composer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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