Chas Chandler
Musician · 1938–1996 · Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Chas Chandler was the original bassist of the British Invasion band the Animals before becoming one of rock's most consequential managers and producers. He discovered Jimi Hendrix in New York in 1966, brought him to London, assembled the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and produced its first hits; he later managed Slade.
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- Born Bryan James Chandler on December 18, 1938, in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne; died July 17, 1996.
- Original bassist of the Animals, behind hits including “House of the Rising Sun” (1964).
- Discovered Jimi Hendrix at Café Wha? in Greenwich Village and brought him to Britain in September 1966.
- Assembled the Jimi Hendrix Experience, recruiting Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell.
- Produced the Experience's early singles “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.”
- Later managed and produced Slade through their early-1970s run of UK #1 singles.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Animals in 1994.
