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 gr...