Bill Champlin

The first time I encountered the name Bill Champlin, it was in reference to the lyrics to one of my songs being reminiscent of Bill's writing. At that time I had no idea what a compliment that was, since I didn't have a clue as to who Bill Champlin was. That soon changed and from the moment I first heard his voice, I sensed something very special. The more I've learned over time, the more I've come to appreciate the man and his music.

Bill Champlin is a musical genius. He's one of the greatest songwriters of all time, with two grammy awards for "Turn Your Love Around" and "After The Love Has Gone". Some of his best and most touching songs are found on his solo CD's, as well as The Sons Of Champlin's CD's (and their vinyl albums, if you're lucky enough to find them.)
Bill Champlin is also a great multi-instrument musician, playing keyboards, Hammond B3 organ, and guitar equally well. (He can also play sax and drums and who knows what else.) Bill's musical and vocal arrangements are superb. And his singing... Wow! I know people who'd give up appendages to be able to sing like Bill.

Bill Champlin - Crystal Ballroom
Portland, OR - May 19, 2001

Bill Champlin's voice has a wonderful smoky texture that can be as smooth as silk or as hard as nails. His wide vocal range becomes apparent when he sings multiple harmonies through the wonder of multi-track recording. If you've ever heard the lushness of the multiple part acapella lead-in to "Party Time In D.C.", you'll know what I mean.
Bill Champlin was a founding member of the Sons of Champlin and remained with the group until the band split up in 1977. Bill then moved to Los Angeles. There, in addition to writing hit songs and recording on his own, he began doing session work with so many people that it would take hours of list them all. He joined the group Chicago in 1981 and is still a member.
"The band's revitalized outlook is also due to the addition of Grammy-award winning songwriter Bill Champlin, who sings, plays guitar and keyboards, and once headed up the San Francisco band Sons of Champlin." Lynn Van Matre - Chicago Tribune - June 13, 1982

Bill has continued to record solo albums over the years, in addition to his work with Chicago and some solo touring in Europe and Japan. Bill once again became a member of the newest incarnation of The Sons Of Champlin in 1997, although The Sons have had to work their schedule around Chicago's. Bill Champlin is also very much in demand on other artists projects, so he is a very busy man indeed.
Although the official Bill Champlin web site is currently under construction, you can still reach the original Bill Champlin web site.

You can also join The Champlin Mailing List. Bill Champlin & Sharon - Backstage
Santa Rosa, CA - New Year's '98

You can also access Sons of Champlin concerts information, more pictures, and reviews with the navigational buttons at the bottom of this page.
Some of Bill Champlin's solo work is becoming harder to find, but there are a couple of places to find the ones that aren't readily available elsewhere. Melody Blvd in Clarksville, Arkansas carries several of these. Another source is on e-bay.

"Mayday"
This was the first Bill Champlin CD in my collection. It was recorded "live" in May of 1996, and contrary to what happens with many artist's live efforts, "Mayday" is a total delight from beginning to end. It's a real showcase for Bill and the band, with some great solos by Bill, Tom Saviano, Jerry Lopez, Greg Mathieson, Rochon Westmoreland, and Eddie Garcia. It also features Bill's lovely wife, Tamara Champlin, on vocals, including a live version of "Backstreets of Paradise", also available on her CD "You Won't Get To Heaven Alive". (See Melody Blvd, listed above.)
My favorites include "First And Last", "Headed For The Top", "In The Heat Of The Night", and "Party Time In D.C." If anything, the live versions of these songs are even better than the studio recordings. (And the studio recordings are wonderful.)
"After The Love Has Gone" is also a favorite. This has always been my favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire song, and Bill received a Grammy for his co-writing on it. I like Bill's rendition even better. "Lovers Tonight" is another favorite, with Jerry Lopez singing lead vocal and sounding great.

You can click on the CD on the left to go to Amazon.com's site for "Mayday". This is currently listed as having limited availability. There are customer reviews and a rating of 4 stars. There are sound files available for the first 5 songs on the CD too. ebay.com is probably your best bet for finding this CD.

"Through It All"
This CD was released in 1994 and has become my personal favorite, although I love all of Bill's CD's. I think it's partially due to the depth of some of the songs, including "Sound Of The Rain", "Light Up The Candles", and "Proud Of Our Blindness", which are all favorites. However, every song on this CD is a favorite, from the first song to the last.
"Turn Your Love Around" is another of Bill's grammy winners and it's also one heck of a great song.
"Just To Be Loved" is a song that I absolutely love, but I can't tell you why. For some reason it just reaches out and grabs me.
This CD also features Tom Saviano, Greg Mathieson, Bruce Gaitsch, Tamara Champlin & others.

You can click on the CD on the right to go to Amazon.com's site for "Through It All". This is an import with very limited availability. There are no longer any sound files, customer reviews or ratings. (You can contact Melody Blvd to order this CD.)

"He Started To Sing"
This 1995 CD starts with the title song, "He Started To Sing", which immediately hit me right between the eyes with it's depth and truth. This song's message is just what I needed to hear. It has inspired me.
There are more horns featured on a couple of songs on this CD, with Tom Saviano, David Boruff, and Gary Grant on "Sex Thang" and being joined by Steve Madaio and Brandon Fields on "Love Is Gonna Find You". Both of these are great.
Other artists and musicians on this CD include Jason Scheff, Bruce Gaitsch, Jerry Lopez, Greg Mathieson, Tamara Champlin, Janie Clewer, George Hawkins, Mario Cippolina, Tracy Gabel, Abraham Laboriel, and Billy Ward.
Other favorites include "It's About Time", "Love Comes And Goes", and "Someone Else". However, there's not a bad song on this CD. "One Love At A Time" is one of those deep and bittersweet songs that touches the heart. And "God Sent Angels" is an unexpected surprise.
I'd have to say that this CD, "Mayday", and "Burn Down The Night" are all tied for my second favorite of Bill's solo CD's. It just depends on my mood.

You can click on the CD on the right to go to Amazon.com's site for "He Started To Sing". This is an import, and it's not cheap. The rating is 4.5 stars and there are a few customer reviews, but there are no sound files available at this time. (You can contact Melody Blvd to order this CD.)

"Runaway"
This CD was originally released in 1981 and is only available as a Japanese import now. It was produced by David Foster, so it has a little different feel than Bill's newer albums where he is doing the producing.
"Stop Knockin' On My Door" is one of my favorites, a real rockin', in your face, infectiously funny song. Bill is playing lead guitar on this one, and shows he can rock with the best of them. "Satisfaction" and "Runaway" are also great, uptempo songs, as is "Take It Uptown".
"Tonight, Tonight" is also a favorite, as sweet and sentimental as it gets. "Gotta Get Back To Love", "Without You", "The Fool Is All Alone" and "Sara" follow suit.
The list of guest artists and musicians is impressive, including Kenny Loggins, Steve Lukather, David Foster, Richard Page, Jeff Porcaro, Carmen Grillo, Jay Graydon, Tamara Champlin, Tom Scott, & etc.

You can click on the CD on the right to go to Amazon.com's site for "Runaway". This is another import with very limited availability. Used only. It's rated 4.5 stars, but there are no sound files. However, there are at least some reviews. (This CD is no longer available at Melody Blvd. or anywhere else, to my knowledge.)

"Burn Down The Night"

This 1992 CD is another winner. This one probably has more philosophic and social commentary in the lyrics than any of Bill's solo CD's. Every song is truly great.
Included are the studio versions of two of my all time favorites, "First And Last" and "Headed For The Top".
"In Love Too Long" is another cool rocker. "Highest Stakes", "For Less Than A Song", and "Fly By The Light" are more favorites.

Photo from "Burn Down The Night".
Used with Bill Champlin's permission.

"The Thunder" and "When Love Comes Around" are great songs too, with the added treat of having Terry Haggerty's wonderful guitar playing.
Bill has another impressive list of guest artists and musicians on this CD. In addition to Terry Haggerty, there's Tris Imboden, Greg Mathieson, Bruce Gaitsch, Steve Lukather, Luis Conte, George Hawkins, Joseph Williams, Tom Scott, Abraham Laboriel, Tamara Champlin, Carmen Twillie, Mona Lisa Young, Danny Pelfrey, and Bill Churchville.
Please contact Melody Blvd to order this CD. It is the only sources I've found.
Please note that Melody Blvd also currently has Bill's first solo CD, "Single", available. This is a Japanese reissue that was originally released in 1978 and had long been out of print. I'll try to do a review sometime soon.