Craig Chambers Biography

Craig Chambers | How the West was Sung!

Mention Craig Chambers’ name around people who love Western Music, and you’ll get a grin, a story, or maybe even a request for one of Craig’s favorite songs. Craig Chambers’ music serves up a slice of Americana that was almost forgotten. Road tested Western Swing, Vintage Country Music, some Cowboy Ballads-- sure, he knows all the standards,-- but Craig brings together a delightful mix

of these genres that instantly wins over an audience - old music, new excitement! Songs of the past played with today’s punch and inventiveness! Chambers offers the listener a smooth baritone voice, an easy, yet confident stage presence, and a knack for quickly getting acquainted with his audience. Craig loves what he does!

“Craig Chambers sings Western Swing the way it ought to be sung!” --Dr. Charles“Bud”Townsend, author,“The Life and Music of Bob Wills. A biography.

Chambers cut his musical teeth in the trademark Dancehalls of his native state, followed by years with Nashville acts- both on the road and in the studios. Four years on Broadway (New York City) with his group,“The Rio Grande Band”, in a hit musical play, was a different adventure for these guys! The show was, of course, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”!

 “A band from Nashville, with its roots in Texas, on a record label out of Boston, is treating New York audiences to real Western Swing! Keep it swinging, Rio Grande Band!” --Leon McAuliffe, Bandleader and Steel Guitarist, Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys

Wide ranging experience and‘onthe job ‘seasoning has fine-tuned Craig’s natural talent, and he brings the pedigree your audience respects and the showmanship they deserve! A credit to your event or venue, visitors will long remember Craig Chambers and his music- and where they heard it!

 Venues and Performances, a few…

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Original Broadway Cast; New York; Bandleader, Narrator Cowboy Gatherings include:

Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium, Ruidoso NM (14 years)

National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum, Fort Worth. Texas Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Burbank, California

Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, Texas

Santa Clarita Cowboy Poetry Gathering , California, and more!

A few of Craig’s Dance dates: National Cutting Horse Assn., * Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assn, Annual Convention, * MCA Records Party, NYC, * PRCA Convention, Denver National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Museum, Annual Convention, Oklahoma City

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko, Nevada…

…and lots of Dancehalls, Honky Tonks, Fairs, Festivals, and Rodeos!

Craig Chambers, Accomplishments and Recognitions

Academy of Western Artists; Will Rogers Award; Five - time recipient. Western Swing Vocalist of the Year, Male. Three - time recipient.

Western Swing Album of the Year, “West by Southwest”

Western Swing Album of the Year,“Where the Pavement Ends…”(Called “the best Recording of Cowboy Music in 30 years!” --- AllMusic)

Other awards:

Hero of Western Swing, 2003 * Living Legend of Western Swing, 2026, both awards from the Cowtown Society of Western Music.

Discography

Five album releases for WR Records of Hunt, Texas:

“Not Just Another Pretty Hat!” “The Cowboy’s Conscience”“Where the Pavement Ends” “West by Southwest”

“Goin’to Town”

Craig sang and played on the acclaimed set of recordings :

“How the West Was Swung!” by Tom Morrell and the Time Warp Tophands. There are 15 Cds.

“Playin’ for the Door”–LP. The Rio Grande Band, Rounder Records

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” –Original Broadway Cast Album, MCA Records

Contact Information:

(817) 239-6542

craig@westernswing.net

website: westernswing.net