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Phil Chen

1946 – 2021

Jamaican musician

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About Phil Chen

Lived 1946 – 2021 (aged 75). Phil Chen was a Jamaican musician.

Phillip David Chen OD (21 October 1946 – 14 December 2021) was a Jamaican bassist. He was one of Britain's most utilized session bassists during the 1970s and 1980s. He played for Jeff Beck, for Rod Stewart from 1977 to 1980, and later with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of the Doors.

Life and career Chen was born on 21 October 1946 and was of Chinese ancestry. He spent much of his early life in Kingston, Jamaica, and attended St. George's College. He played in the Vikings in the 1960s, and in bands on the club circuit in Kingston before relocating to England.

Chen worked with numerous nationally known musicians during his career. He first joined Jimmy James and the Vagabonds in 1965,

Other musicians with whom Chen performed and recorded include Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Desmond Dekker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Jackson Browne, Dave Edmunds, and Linda Lewis , among others.

Personal life Chen died from cancer on 14 December 2021, at the age of 75.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Order of Distinction
Also known as
Phillip David Chen

People in Phil Chen's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Phil Chen's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Phil Chen?

Jamaican musician

When was Phil Chen born?

Phil Chen was born on 21 October 1946.

When did Phil Chen die?

Phil Chen died on 14 December 2021.

What was Phil Chen's occupation?

Phil Chen was a musician.

What nationality was Phil Chen?

Phil Chen was Jamaican.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Phil Chen

· Wikidata: Q7181775

· DBpedia: Phil Chen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Phil Chen. https://biography.guide/phil-chen/

MLA: "Phil Chen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/phil-chen/.

Chicago: "Phil Chen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/phil-chen/.

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