Celebrating saxophonist Eddie Chamblee

January 05, 2025

Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and R&B music. Chamblee worked with many legendary performers, including Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Dinah Washington. In fact, Chamblee was married to Dinah Washington in 1957.

Eddie Chamblee was born, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1920. By 1928, he was living in Indianapolis. His father, Robert Chamblee, was president of the Citizens Life Insurance Company. Their offices were located at 229 Indiana Avenue. After spending several years in Indianapolis, Chamblee’s family moved to Chicago. But Chamblee would eventually return to Indianapolis. 

From 1953, to 1955, Chamblee held down a series of steady gigs at the Indiana Avenue club George’s Bar, where he became famous for playing his sax while swinging from the club’s rafters. During the 1950s, Chamblee performed at many Indiana Avenue venues, including Sunset Terrace, the Walker Theatre, and Ferguson Hotel.