A prolific recording artist from Oklahoma, country gospel songwriter Arlie "Bud" Chambers (1932-2007) and his wife Darlene Chambers led their own evangelical tent revival for many years, touring the Southwest and other areas of the country. Chambers is said to have written over 3000 songs, with several becoming Southern Gospel standards, notably "One More River," which has been covered by gospel groups such as the Lewis Family, the Rambos and the Thrasher Brothers. Bud and Darlene Chambers issued dozens of albums on their own ultra-indie private label, Sunshine Records, either featuring them as a duo, Mr. Chambers recording solo, and in some cases various members of their revival show. We all face temptations, though: Bud Chambers had a serious brush with the law in early 'Seventies when he was charged with fencing stolen vehicles, using his revival caravan to smuggle stolen cars and trucks out of California to sell at a profit in other parts of the country. Convicted in 1976, Mr. Chambers faced several years in prison, but basically got off with a warning, and five years probation. Here's a quick look at his recording career...
Bud Chambers "Poor Rich Man: Fifteen Gospel Hits" (Sunshine Records, 1966-?) (LP)
Here, Chambers eschewed the plinky-piano sentimentalism of the Southern Gospel style in favor of a wilder, uninhibited pure-hick sound that was a throwback to the manic twang of hillbilly artists such as Hardrock Gunter and Wayne Raney. This album was recorded with backing by some pro pickers: Al Perry plays pedal steel, Joe Pope is on piano, and Red Wooten plucks the bass... there may have been other musicians as well, though sadly they are uncredited. At any rate, this is fun stuff, super-twangy, sloppy and wild, with some of the kooky novelty sensibilities of early rockabilly in there as well, especially on songs like "Trip To The Moon," where Jesus acts as his booster rocket... If you're one of those folks who's looking for legitimately twangy country-gospel, give this fella a spin!
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Singing The Gospel" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Revival Songs -- Oklahoma Style" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Bud's Best Compositions" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Never Faileth" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "Traveling On" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "All I Want To Be Is A Jesus Man" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "Among The Sinners" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Side One is a sermon, Side Two is music.
Bud Chambers Revival Team "Jesus Is The Light" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Side One is a sermon, Side Two is music.
Bud Chambers "Everybody Say Amen" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Amen...!!
Bud Chambers "Lord I Love You" (19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Billy Green "Gospel Classics" (Sonshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Old Timers" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Worship With Us" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "Let Everybody Sing" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "Know God" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "Be Strong" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers "The Highest Hill: Fifteen More New Original Gospel Songs" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
The Bud Chambers Evangelical Team "Hymns -- Camp Meeting Style" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
Bud Chambers & Darlene Chambers "Revival Songs -- Oklahoma Style" (Sunshine Records, 19--?) (LP)
