By Eli (170.115.179.118 - 170.115.179.118) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 06:48 pm:

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of
guitarist, writer, aranger and producer and dear friend Roland Chambers who died in Philadelphia last night May 7th.
Roland, early on was the guitarist for the Orlons and the Sapphires and wrote many of their songs. He then became a charter member of Kenny Gamble and the Romeos and guitarist with the pre- MFSB rhythm section at the Cameo-Parkway studios and along with his brother the late Karl Chambers, who also recently passed away, played on many soul classics including many Northern favourites including records by the Showstoppers, the Formations,Yvonne Baker, James Bounty, the Universals Chubby Checker the Delfonics , the Intruders, and the list goes on. He then became an early member of MFSB playing on many clasic soul hits.We will miss him dearly.
We must cherish and preserve our musical heritage as there are not many of us originals left.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.107.27.25 - 213.107.27.25) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 07:50 pm:

Bobby

Thanks for a nice tribute to someone who has given the Northern Soul Scene so much over the years.

Roland R.I.P.

By John Lester (213.122.201.46 - 213.122.201.46) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 09:12 pm:

My thoughts are with family and friends at this, a truly sad day.

As Bobby says, we must preserve and cherish OUR heritage

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 11:42 pm:

I'm sorry to hear this Bobby. Although I was never fortunate to know Roland, his name was familiar to me for many years. My thoughts to his family and friends.

By Ian W (62.6.65.48 - 62.6.65.48) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 09:28 pm:

Sorry to hear about Roland! What a musical history!

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 09:48 pm:

Bobby

Thank you for considering the forum with this sad news. Again,I am saddened to hear that one of your dear friends has passed away. My thoughts are with you and his family.

By Eli (170.115.179.118 - 170.115.179.118) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 05:55 pm:

Roland's services are Saturday the 18th . Viewing is at 8 30 am - 10 am with services to follow at 2530 n. Broad street in Philly.

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.221.104 - 212.137.221.104) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 10:24 pm:

my thoughts go out to his family
amen

By Eli (152.163.197.198 - 152.163.197.198) on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 11:06 pm:

Hi Eli here.
Dave Brown and I went to Roland Chambers funeral and repass today.
Attending were Weldon McDougal, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff,Earl Young, T. Life, Phil Terry of the Intruders, Billy Jackson Harry Coombs, Steve Caldwell of the Orlons, as well many record biz luminaries as well as the new regime of Philly International execs including Chuck Gamble and Gene Mc Fadden Jr.
Bunny sang a moving rendition of the 23rd Psalm and brought the house to it's knees as he always does and not a dry eye was to be found. Kenny spoke of all the back in the day experiences he and Roland shared even before the TSOP days.
Just 10 weeks ago Roland's brother Karl was funeralized at the very same venue. Unfortunately yours truly was laid up with a bad leg infection in NYC and was sadly unable to attend.
I had the pleasure of seeing many old friend as well as acquainting myself with many new ones.
After the service and burial everyone went over to Philly International where a sumtuous luncheon was held for all to enjoy.

Roland leaves behind seven Children as well as several grandchildren.
He will be truly missed by all as he was truly a kind sweet and loving person and a great long time friend and colleague.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 11:21 pm:

Amen, Bobby.

Roland also leaves a legacy of great music in which he participated, music which will outlive all of us. And Bobby - take care of your good self too. The world of real music needs you.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Sunday, May 19, 2002 - 09:04 am:

Thanks Bobby

By Donna Marie (64.12.107.54 - 64.12.107.54) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:14 pm:

Hello,my name is Donna Marie.I'm Rolands first cousin.Roland's mother(auntlizzie)was my dads sister.I grew up in total aw of my two cousin's Roland+Karl.I could listen to any song and recognise my cousin's presence.Not many people know it but Karl was the original drummer on Glady's Knights"Heard it Through the Grapevine". He also made a movie with Olivia Newton-John called"Toomorow."I couldn't wait to get home everyday from school to see my cousin Roland on the"Jerry Blavitt Show",playing his guitar. To those who really knew Roland,there were two women who will always be embedded in his heart and soul,Ms.GIANINI(she gave him Much Pleasure).....and Ms.Gibson(she made him Much Money).........Love and Respect to "Kenny Gamble","Leon Huff".......Sincere thanks to "Bobbie Eli"

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:39 pm:

Here's Karl with Livvy, Benny Thomas and Vic Cooper - aka "Toomorrow". (1970)



(Sometimes even I am surprised at what turns up in my archives!)

By Vickie (152.163.213.62 - 152.163.213.62) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

WOW - what a special treat to find one of my favorites on a soul site..You'r right, you never know what might turn up here....
I know this movie as I am a huge OLIVIA fan..

Thanks,that's so very cool!!!!
Vickie

By Greg C. (209.71.79.162 - 209.71.79.162) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

Roland Chambers was in a Philadelphia International group called Yellow Sunshine. I believe Dexter Wansel was also a part of that group. They had one album that was good but quite eclectic and the masses didn't get into them. I always thought they were ahead of their time for the day.

Sorry to hear of his passing..

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.155.105 - 213.122.155.105) on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 07:46 am:

Welcome to the forum Donna Marie.

By Eli (170.115.179.119 - 170.115.179.119) on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 07:43 pm:

It never ceases to amaze me what crops up here!! Truly great, Ritchie.
Hi Donna Marie, welcome , and do keep checking in and please explore everything the site has to offer.

By Donnamarie (205.188.195.52 - 205.188.195.52) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 11:00 pm:

My sincere "THANKS" to "Ritchie". You're the "Best". I"ll make sure his daughter(Nichol) and the rest of the family see's it. "MuchLuv+Gratitude".........Donnamarie.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 11:12 pm:

Donna Marie - it's my pleasure :o)

By bigles (141.152.228.80 - 141.152.228.80) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 12:26 am:

In memory of my cousins Roland and Karl Chambers...My name is Lester Simmons and I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the people who supported our family during our time of grief.
Just like to say that this time was very difficult for me because my cousins and I were more like brothers as we were all raised together in the same home. They will truly be missed by many.
A special thanks to Kenny Gamble and all the rest of the Philly International family for their love and support. It was truly needed.

Lester

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 12:41 am:

Donna Marie and Lester

Hi - I live in London and have been collecting soul records since I was 18 years old. I fell in love with Motown and the Sound of Philadelphia almost 30 years ago now. I was heartbroken when I heard that Karl had passed away and was very emotional at work that afternoon. I read the news on this forum posted by Bobby Eli for us. One of the songs they both played on, from 1967, is very dear to me and has memories of my early days collecting these wonderful records in Hull. Karl and Roland will not be forgotten. Their contribution to the music we love will be always remembered and they will be in our hearts forever more.

By Eli (152.163.204.178 - 152.163.204.178) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 01:34 am:

Hi Lester,
Welcome to our wonderful forum. It was a pleasure to meet you at Roland's service. I have known Roland since 1962 and Karl from 1965.
They have both been a major part of my life as you must know.Roland used to comearound alot after I was first married and we would sit around and listen to Cheech and Chong and laugh hysterically while having some wine and some snacks. I have some good photos of him at around this time.
His acoustic style was second to none.
He was truly the "Segovia Of Soul"

By Shlonda (64.12.107.178 - 64.12.107.178) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 12:57 am:

Hi my name is Shlonda a.k.a Malika Love of Luv Productions Management& Artist Co in Phila. I am a second cousin But I call them Uncle Roll and Uncle Carl my dad was they're cousin Blue some of you may know him he hung out a lot with my uncles and I guess at this point that is just what he's doing I can't imagine them not being together right now! I just wanted to say on behalf of the second generation of this family Thank you as well for all the support and words of comfort in our time of sorrow.I'm sure my cousins (Their Children)will appreciate seeing such fond memories and wonderful things said about their Dad's.Thanks Mr. Eli for the acknowledgement on your site and I enjoyed learning more about Motown I'm a Jackson Five fan for life I'll be back to visit. I also want everyone to know that the talent lives on in our family! to this day most of their children work in the music industry so keep us of all in your prayers and we will do the same for you guys .If you or anyone have photo's please send them we would love to see them.Ha Donna Marie and Uncle Lester luv ya!see you on the 4th call me

By Eli (205.188.192.171 - 205.188.192.171) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 04:23 am:

Hi Shlonda!!
Glad you could make it.
I have some great photos of Roland and I will post them on this site shortly as soon as I sort them out, as they have never before been seen!!
God Bless!!

Bobby Eli

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.18.136 - 213.122.18.136) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 07:56 am:

Hi Shlonda

Welcome to SoulfulDetroit!

By Renee Chambers-Liciaga (209.204.122.146 - 209.204.122.146) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 01:53 pm:

HELLO MY NAME IS RENEE CHAMBERS-LICIAGA I AM ROLANDS OLDEST DAUGHTER. THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING IN WHAT YOU KNOW OF MY FATHER. I JUST WANTED TO LET ALL OF YOU KNOW THAT THE MONTH BEFORE MY DAD PASSED, HE HAD SPENT THE TIME WITH MY HUSBAND, HIS GRAND BABY AND I IN OUR PLACE IN THE JERSEY WOODS. (HE WAS SOOO HAPPY)
EVENTHOUGH MY DAD WAS A CITY FELLOW HE ALWAYS LOVED THE OUTDOORS, ANNIMALS AND NATURE. YES, HE WAS A BRILLIANT MUSICIAN AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR THAT, BUT WHAT MOST OF YOU DON'T KNOW IS THAT HE WAS AN AMAZING DAD. FUNNY, WITTY, LOVING AND GENTLE. BEFORE HE PASSED HE TOLD ME THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO HIM WAS THAT HIS CHILDREN WERE WITH HIM BY HIS SIDE.
I MISS HIM VERY MUCH, I KNOW THAT HE IS NOW WHOLE AGAIN IN HEAVEN PLAYING HIS GUITAR 24/7.
MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
RENEE CHAMBERS LICIAGA

By Eli (152.163.207.213 - 152.163.207.213) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 02:26 pm:

Hi Renee,

That was so touching nd can just see that now.
People must realize the true sensitivity of Roland's personality. I can relate because I too am a Pisces and my birthday is March 2nd so Roland and I always had that special intuitive connection. I believe the last time that I heard him play was at Delfonics' lead singer' William Hart's home studio while we were demoing a song there. Amazing stuff indeed!!!

By the way, is Rena your mom???? If so she is another talented albeit unheralded contributor to the Sound of Philly.

By Sandra (138.89.193.132 - 138.89.193.132) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 06:26 pm:

Hello Bobby,
My name is Sandra and I am Renee's mom. Was a former replacement member of the Orlons in 1963 thanks to Roland. We met at the age of 13 while visiting his relatives in my hometown in South Jersey. I met you briefly at PIR during the repass after the funeral. Don't have any idea of who this Rena is.

By Eli (205.188.198.32 - 205.188.198.32) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 11:22 pm:

Cool. I understand now.

By Gina (64.12.107.21 - 64.12.107.21) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:39 am:

Hi my name is Gina......way back in 1976 it was Gina Rice and my sister Denise Rice are 1st cousins of Donna Marie who is 1st cousins of Roland and Karl. We called their mother Aunt Lizzie. I had the pleasure of singing with my cousins on an album they were producing for Philly International and recording songs, "That's How Life is", "Natural Man" and a song I co-wrote with Roland called "Gonna Miss you". Not only was he a wonderful musician but he could sing too. Those were times in my life that I will cherish for years to come, hanging out in Sigma Sound Studio and Philly International to the wee hours in the morning. I can still see Roland on guitar, Karl on drums, Dexter on keyboards and Blue on percussions. I sometimes wonder where in the archives are these recordings?? But it doesn't really matter to me anymore. Because they are still in my memory and he still lives in my musical career and I know he's looking down on me still saying, sing from your diaphram Gina. I owe him for polishing my voice to what it is today. In the words of the song we wrote Gonna Miss You. How true that is!! The songs will forever live in my heart. I'm glad that this site exist so that I can send a tribute to a very talented man.

I miss you Cuz............

By phillysoulman (205.188.198.49 - 205.188.198.49) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 04:12 am:

Hi Gina!!
It had to be Yellow Sunshie, right?
My partner Dave Brown at Philly Archives can help. He has copies of the album there.
www.phillymusicarchives.com

Were you at the repass??
Anyway, Roland and I were friends since 1962 and his memory lives on!!

By Gina (205.188.198.39 - 205.188.198.39) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 01:52 pm:

Hi Philly Soulman

Unfortunately it wasn't yellow sunshine this was a project that Roland and Karl worked on right after Yellow Sunshine. The songs were never released. So they sit somewhere on a shelf collecting dust I'm sure. But it's still possible that Dave Brown could have copies. I will try the phillyarchives. Thanks

I live in Calfornia and I had prior commitments and I was unable to attend the repass.

By phillysoulman (205.188.198.36 - 205.188.198.36) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:37 pm:

I may have met you in Philly as I am Bobby Eli the "other white meat" lol!!!
I am also a founing father of mFSB so I may have seen you around at Sigma as I was always around in some capacity.

By Donna Marie (64.12.105.33 - 64.12.105.33) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 04:47 pm:

HEY, it's Donnamarie. To clear up some things... Roland's first wife was "Betsy", their son is "Roland Chambers" the "fourth". Then he married "Aunt Sandy" and produced "Renee Lynette" and "Ronald L.Chambers" He hooked up with "Rena Finnigan"and had "Beth"(Elizabeth), then he hooked up with "Doreen" and had "Latoya" and "Hakeem". I also can remember "Karl" telling me about "Roland" having another child called "Orlando".............Ps "Hey Renee(Ray Lynn)"Aunt Sandy","Sholonda", "Lester" and "Gina" in Cali. Luv+Respect......"Bobbie".....Get it right. Ha Ha...........

By Eli (64.12.106.44 - 64.12.106.44) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 05:52 pm:

Hi D.M.
I get the drift now!!
I wish that I had that kind of stamina. I am a Pisces also and as they say..... mmmmmm.....
erotically motivated as well, ya dig????
Unfortunately the seeds of passion were not sewn in my case and there are no lil'jiggas( I have been called that long before Jay-Z) the "J" for Jewish and the "igga" for you know what!!
I was probably switched at birth and there is a bro' somewhere in North Philly who watches the Flyers games whilst drinking Budwiser beer and loves pierogis!!!!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:05 pm:

OH MY GOD!!!!! BOBBY...I AM YOUR BROTHER !!!

By Phillysoulman (64.12.106.44 - 64.12.106.44) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:28 pm:

Yo Ralph,
No wonder I like the Sixers and the Kings, and looove chitlins and greens and candied yams!!
No wonder a forty ounce of Colt 45 does me just fine. Unfortunately there was 10% off in my case, capice bro??

Hey D.M.--- That back room at 2042 north 32nd street did wee some action in the day and we do know the end result don't we, huh?????

Passion and Pain..... ya dig????

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:49 pm:

Yeah, but Bobby...I got the same 10% discount....Mozzle tov

By Hymie Cohen (64.12.106.44 - 64.12.106.44) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:52 pm:

Cent anni!!! In your case it is gen-ITALIA!!
But in my case it is a condom-inium!! capice????

By Rudloph Valentino (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 07:08 pm:

I understand, but lately it's been Vagia di Niente if you get my drift so 10% discount or no 10% discount..it doesn't seem to matter.

By 2 Da Bone (64.12.106.41 - 64.12.106.41) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 07:49 pm:

No p***y huh?? Or is it that La senora est sans vagia,eh??? You need a fine sista too sooooothe
the stallion Mr. Valentino!!

BTW... What does all of this have to do with poor ol' Roland???

By John Lester (213.122.204.151 - 213.122.204.151) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 08:32 pm:

Bobby....I quite agree...what is the connection with Roland...!!

LOL

By Eli (205.188.198.33 - 205.188.198.33) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 09:11 pm:

I'll never tell!!!!

By Phillysoulman (205.188.198.33 - 205.188.198.33) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 09:13 pm:

On a personal note, I do get the connection but someday it will all make sense!!

By HI-HAT-MAN (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 12:08 am:

Givin honor to Roland and Karl.....your contributions will live on. I would like to know some history on Georgie Wood's Potato Salad.... and Can This be True..... by Eddie Holman.

By HI-HAT-MAN (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 12:11 am:

Who are the personel on those cuts?

By Gina (64.12.107.41 - 64.12.107.41) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 01:50 am:

Hey Eli aka phillysoulman....I had to call DM and tell on you (smile) I'm almost positive that we met.

By Eli (64.12.106.29 - 64.12.106.29) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 02:18 am:

HHM. Potato Salad was before my time but it was Doc Bagby and the Eddie Holman one were the Harthon crew, Luther Randolph Johnny Styles, Slim ?? on drums, Norman and Ronnie respetively on guitar and bass.

By Donna Marie (152.163.204.214 - 152.163.204.214) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 03:37 am:

Phillysoulman, i've never been to 2042n.32nd st before in my life.............Donnamarie.

By Phillysoulman (205.188.199.169 - 205.188.199.169) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 11:19 am:

Hey D.M. I know. We were talking about it at the repass relative to the "conception connection"
re: Sandra and Collins W.

By Rena (205.188.200.139 - 205.188.200.139) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 03:39 pm:

This is Rena Sinakin here. I met Roland in 1971 when I was a Capitol Recording artist. We became more intimately involved with each other in 1974 when I was an Atlantic recording artist. We were married by a Muslim Imam in 1976 during the time I was producing Gladys Knight and the Pips. Our daughter Beth was born in 1983. In total we stayed together for 12 years until 1986. Roland was a great musician and a gentle soul who I loved immensely. Although I am very happily remarried, I shall never forget all the beautiful music we made together. I hope he has finally found the peace that he so longed for.

By Ali Goldberg (152.163.207.184 - 152.163.207.184) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 08:50 pm:

Hi Rena le meine schtickele!!!!
So good to see you here indeed . We go waaaaaayyyyyy back! I still cannot accept a world without OUR Chambers Brothers. The originators and founders of Yellow Sunshine!!
I just booked a session at Music city with overdubs at Earmark!!( at least I think I did!)
Roland WAS the Segovia of soul.I wish that I had told him that. I am sure that someday I will.

BTW--I thought that I was the worlds onliest Jewslim!! (smile--I hope)

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 11:55 pm:

Rena,
Thank you for posting on the forum.We would love to hear more of your career. Please join us here.

By La Toya Chambers (152.163.205.74 - 152.163.205.74) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 04:39 am:

Hello guys my Name is La Toya Chambers I am Rolands 4th Child I live in Atlanta and work with Entertainment Law. My father was on his way to making a mark in Atlanta with me before his death. I think you guys for sharing there thoughts and memories of my Dad and as i can see there is a lot. I am 23 years old and my Mother (Doreen) has my father youngest son Hakim age 12. Who also shares the amazing talent of his total six children (Roland IV, Renee, Ron, and ME!) each child has a unique trait from our father....which makes him whole.

Thanks you guys and lets keep this clean and positive! My Father was a great man to us all but more importantly a amazing DAD!

Lets not tarnish him after death although he loved manny and many women loved him he only had two woman who was dear to him. And he carryed there hearts on his sleave. For the record my dad was only married twice. FACT!

SOULFULLY YOURS,
La Toya Starr


Any questions please forward them to the attached email address.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 01:05 pm:

La Toya,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us on the forum. Your father is loved and respected here.

By La Toya Chambers (205.188.193.178 - 205.188.193.178) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 09:06 pm:

Thank you Mr. Eli for setting this up for my Dad. It was a pleasure meeting you at the repass my father spoke many great words of you. My sister has put together a scrap book in my Dads memory and we would love it if you could share the photos you spoke of with us.

Ralph did I meet you at my father's viewing?

By Eli (152.163.197.182 - 152.163.197.182) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 09:17 pm:

Hi La Toya,
I sure will indeed .
I will duplicate what I have . Just e-mail me at
phillysoulman@aol.com and tell me where to send them.
God Bless,

Bobby Eli

By Queen T (152.163.197.69 - 152.163.197.69) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 10:36 pm:

IN RESPONSE TO RENA,
It seems as though whenever you have the chance to speak your peace YOU speak it. You know the truth of your relationship with Roland he did and so did I. He is gone now! And in order for your daughter to live a peaceful life it is fine time you began telling the truth.

The truth is her father did not past on May 8th 2002 but lets just try 3 months earlier February 24 2002. So should I tell her or YOU!


So very yours truly,
The Real QUEEN

By LTLFTC (12.245.225.79 - 12.245.225.79) on Friday, June 14, 2002 - 11:53 pm:

Wow-I'm sure we're all sorry to all concerned about the loss of the great musician Roland Chambers but let's not get into this stuff- not here,anyway.
Peace
Steve K.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 01:06 am:

I agree. Queen T...thank you for posting here but this is not the vehicle to air any family problems. Roland was a respected musician and his memory is honored here and that is what we are about. Please understand our position.
Thank you
Ralph Terrana ( Moderator )

By The Real Eli (152.163.207.207 - 152.163.207.207) on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 01:37 pm:

Hi Everyone,

Please let Roland rest in peace. He was a wonderful guy and a true talent and that is how I want to remember him.
All of this "Soap Opera " stuff has got to end. This is not the time nor the place for that kind of garbage to exist. It is a forum to discuss the musical contributions made by the wondeful people that we all revere, Roland included.

By Donna Marie (64.12.105.52 - 64.12.105.52) on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 05:08 pm:

Bobbie Eli, Donnamarie,....I stand corrected. Eventhough i've never been to 2042n.32nd, i can truely say that the results of the goings on in that back room produced an angel in the form of my best friend "Janice McLain". Sorry Bobbie(Who knew you were musicsoulman)????.....Donnamarie....

By La Toya Chembers (64.12.104.54 - 64.12.104.54) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 03:37 am:

Hello guys it's La Toya again. Just checking in. Thanks Mr. Eli for taking care of that for us.

Hello Donna nice to see you here as well...did not know you were "computer sabby"! I would like to talk to you...missed place your number.Please e-mail it to my address. And my password it "TASTYCAKES" (lol)

toystarr1@aol.com

By detroit gal (152.163.204.46 - 152.163.204.46) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 04:05 am:

Being a Philly native, but a longtime Detroit area resident (since I was 10), I'm loving all this Detroit-Philly musical talk.

And now a member of the Chambers musical family brings up Tastykakes!!! That's really what made the Philly sound funky, the taste of those cupcakes and butterscotch krimpets!

By beth (64.12.107.24 - 64.12.107.24) on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 11:55 pm:

This is Beth, Rolands 6th child This site is a wonderful way to keep the soul of a musican alive but the best way is through his wonderful music. As long as we continue to listen to and enjoy the music that he made he will always be remembered. It is so wonderful for me to see so much love consintrated around one man. I found myself sitting on my couch last night after my husband had fallen asleep. i started looking at my baby photo album. I just couldn't help but wonder what my father was like as a young suave man 20 years ago (cause he looked so cool in his peacoet with his chain dangling from his neck)and i looked at this one picture of him holding me in the hospital after i was born and though it was just a picture, in his eyes i could see how happy he was. from coming on this site i now know his happiness must have come from all the wonderful friends he had in life
beth
ps LaToya i am gratful for the relationship that we have begun to build.

By J.M. (205.188.198.152 - 205.188.198.152) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 03:12 pm:

Hello Beth! I am very sorry to hear about your father's death. I worked for Sigma Sound for a lot of years and knew both your father and mother very well. Your father played on just about everything Kenny Gamble brought through,and we had a lot of laughs and made musical history together.Your mother did a lot of great stuff too, for me the most memorable being when she produced John Lennon's band (yes, that John Lennon the Beatle) at Sigma New York. About five years ago (give or take a year), I stopped in to Sigma in Philly to say hello, and Arthur was making a tape copy. It really sounded great so I asked who it was. He told me it was you! He said it was a song you wrote and sang, and that your mother had brought you into the studio as a junior high graduation present. I couldn't beleive how great you and the song sounded for being any age, no less just being a kid!Well, anyway ,I hope you are still writing and singing and I know that we will all be seeing your name in bright lights some day. You couldn't help but to be as talented as you are - it's in your genes on both sides! Please send my regards to your mother too!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 05:38 pm:

JM..thanks for posting on the forum. If you have any more Sigma stories I'm sure the fans would love to read about them.

By gifted (12.33.164.7 - 12.33.164.7) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 06:22 pm:

Hello All,

This is Keith, and Uncle Rol lived with me in South Philadelphia until I was 17 years old, and has been one of the biggest infulences in my life. He taught me what it is to be strong. He also taught me what it is to truely believe in something. When he moved away, I kept all of those wonderful lessons that he would sneak and teach me. Those same lessons help me along in life even today as an adult. I will always love Uncle Rol and carry his lessons on life with me.

R. Keith

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 06:31 pm:

Keith,
You couldn't give your Uncle Roland a better tribute than that pal.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 09:00 am:

One of my favourite MFSB tracks was co written by Roland called 'Something for Nothing'. It first appeared, I think, as the 'b' side to TSOP on PIR in 1973, here in the UK. As I listen to it now, I know this track will give me another 30 years of pleasure in my life! May I stick my neck and mention I think it is Karl Chambers on drumms? Bobby - It sounds like the same drummer as on those early Delfonics hits. I could be wrong.

By bigles1 (141.152.227.103 - 141.152.227.103) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 12:32 am:

Hi Bobby Eli,

It was good seeing you at Roland's funeral. You probably didn't remember me, but I remembered you from back in the day when I use to come down to the studio(sigma sound-12th St)when you guys use to do sessions. I was little then..ha..ha...This is a good thing you are doing being able to keep in touch with each other. Again I want to say thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Cousin Lester

Hi Donna Marie, Rae and Renee..Love you guys

By Vinnie Barrett (205.188.200.58 - 205.188.200.58) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 04:05 am:

I am truly sorry for late here to extend my deepest well wishes for the family of Roland Chambers. I met Roland back in 1971, at Norman Harris's house. Norman always used to say that Roland taught him how to play guitar and was a main reason for him being in MFSB. Roland was a kind, sensitive GIANT, who laughed a lot, loved people, nature, animals and good music. We all, at one time or other have hung together and wrote songs, spent time at Sigma Sound and just enjoyed what we were all about. Roland's life was, as I can tell on this forum, rich with love and family.
You don't get any better than that! ROLAND, play forever in heaven and we will keep your legacy alive here on earth.
God bless everybody..